vehicle-mounted machines

Abstract

The present invention provides an in-vehicle device equipped with a conductive component used in a novel terminal-to-terminal connection structure, and a terminal component connected to a connection part of the conductive component, which can suppress contact by workers or others with at least one of the terminal and connection parts that may be live parts. [Solution] A current-carrying component 54 for electrically connecting multiple terminal portions 32, comprising: a current-carrying member 56 having multiple connection portions 60 that are fastened to each of the multiple terminal portions 32 in a connected state; an insulating case 70 housing the current-carrying member 56; and a connection portion-side relay portion 66 provided on the connection portion 60 that is fastened to the terminal portion 32 covered by the terminal portion cover 48, where at least one of the multiple terminal portions 32 is covered by an insulating terminal portion cover 48 having a terminal portion opening window 50, and which is connected to the terminal portion 32 by being inserted through the terminal portion opening window 50.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal connection structure for connecting terminals of a plurality of devices in an energized state via an energizing member such as a wire harness or a bus bar disposed between the terminals.

Background Art

[0002] As a connection structure for electrically connecting devices mounted on an automobile, there is known a terminal connection structure in which two connection portions provided on an energizing member such as a wire harness or a bus bar spanned between two terminal portions of two devices are bolted to each other to make an energized connection. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which, in a battery module mounted on an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like, terminal portions between opposite electrodes of adjacent single battery groups are electrically connected by bolt-fastening a pair of connection portions provided on a dedicated bus bar.

[0003] By the way, since the terminal portion of the single battery group is a live part, if the bus bar spanned between the terminal portions remains exposed, there is a risk that a tool for bolt fastening or the like touches the bus bar and the battery module is short-circuited. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a structure for covering the bus bar is proposed by using a case having a main body portion that covers the bus bar while exposing the connection portion of the bus bar and a lid portion that covers the upper surface of the connection portion in an openable and closable manner. Thereby, the bus bar can be covered with the case to improve the insulation property. Further, when the bus bar is bolted between the terminal portions, the upper surface of the connection portion can be exposed to perform the bolt fastening operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, before the busbar bolts are fastened, the terminals of each cell group, which are the live parts, are exposed. At this time, measures to prevent workers from coming into contact with the terminals were sometimes desired. Furthermore, even when measures to prevent contact with the terminals of the cell groups are not necessary, the other end of the busbar, to which one connection is fastened, becomes a live part. In this case, measures to prevent workers from coming into contact with the connection were sometimes desired.

[0006] Therefore, the objective is to provide a junction box, busbar module, and battery module equipped with a conductive component used in a novel terminal connection structure that can suppress contact by workers, etc., with at least one of the terminal and connection parts that may be live parts, and a terminal part connected to the connection part of the conductive component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The in-vehicle device of the present disclosure is an inter-terminal connection structure that electrically connects a plurality of terminal portions via a current-carrying component, wherein the current-carrying component includes a current-carrying member having a plurality of connection portions that are fastened to each of the plurality of terminal portions in a connected state, an insulating case housing the current-carrying member, and a connection portion-side relay portion provided on at least one of the connection portions covered by the case, the connection portion-side relay portion protruding outward from the case, and the in-vehicle device having at least one of the plurality of terminal portions used in the inter-terminal connection structure, wherein the terminal portion has an upper surface that the connection portion-side relay portion contacts, the upper surface of the terminal portion is covered by an insulating, flat terminal portion cover placed on the upper surface, the terminal portion cover is provided with a terminal portion opening window that partially exposes the upper surface of the terminal portion, the terminal portion opening window is sized so that a test finger cannot be inserted but the connection portion-side relay portion can be inserted, and the connection portion-side relay portion is connected to the upper surface of the terminal portion by being inserted through the terminal portion opening window.

[0008] [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a junction box, busbar module, and battery module equipped with a conductive component used in an inter-terminal connection structure that can suppress workers from coming into contact with at least one of the terminal portion and connection portion, and a terminal portion connected to the connection portion of the conductive component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the terminal portions of two single-cell groups are connected to each other via busbars fastened to them, using the terminal connection structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal connection structure as disassembled in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal section shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the conductive components shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the VI-VI section in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded view of Figure 6, and corresponds to Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the terminals of a single cell group and a junction box are connected via busbars fastened to them, using the terminal connection structure according to Modification 1 and 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view enlarged showing the conductive members used in the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the conductive components used in the terminal connection structure according to Modification 3. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the assembled state of the conductive components shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the conductive components used in the terminal connection structure according to Modification 4. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an enlarged longitudinal (X-direction) sectional view of the assembled state of the current-carrying component shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the current-carrying component used in the terminal connection structure according to Modification 5. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an enlarged longitudinal (X-direction) sectional view of the assembled state of the current-carrying component shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the current-carrying component used in the terminal connection structure according to Modification 6. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an enlarged longitudinal (X-direction) sectional view of the assembled state of the current-carrying component shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to Modification 7. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an enlarged longitudinal (X-direction) sectional view of the assembled state of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 18. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to Modification 8. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an enlarged longitudinal (X-direction) sectional view of the assembled state of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to Modification 9. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is an enlarged sectional view in the width direction (Y-direction) of the assembled state of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 22. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to Modification 10. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is an enlarged sectional view in the width direction (Y-direction) of the assembled state of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 24. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to Modification 11. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is an enlarged longitudinal (X-direction) sectional view showing the terminal connection structure according to Modification 12. [Figure 28]Figure 28 is an overall perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to the modified example 13. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 28, broken down into terminal and connection sections. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 28. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a perspective view from below of the connection portion of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 28. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view from above of the connection portion of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 28, when it is cut horizontally. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a longitudinal (X-direction) cross-sectional view of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 28. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is an overall perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to the modified example 14. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 34, broken down into terminal and connection sections. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a perspective view from below of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 35. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a perspective view showing the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 36 with the shutter closed. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view in the width direction (Y direction) of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 35. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view in the width direction (Y direction) of the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 34. [Figure 40A] Figure 40A is a cross-sectional view in the width direction (Y direction) of the terminal connection structure according to the modified example 15, showing the state in which the connection blocking portion is in the blocking position. [Figure 40B] Figure 40B shows the terminal connection structure shown in Figure 40A, with the connection blocking portion in an acceptable position. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is an overall perspective view showing the terminal connection structure according to modified example 16. [Figure 42]Figure 42 is a perspective view showing the fastening portion between one terminal and the connection portion in the terminal-to-terminal connection structure shown in Figure 41. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the line XLIII-XLIII in Figure 42. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a perspective view showing the fastening portion between the other terminal and the connection portion in the terminal-to-terminal connection structure shown in Figure 41. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the XLV-XLV section in Figure 44. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a perspective view showing the unit on the connector side that constitutes the fastening portion between one of the terminals and the connector shown in Figure 42. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a perspective view of the unit on the connection side shown in Figure 46, viewed from below. [Figure 48] Figure 48 is a cross-sectional view of XLVIII-XLVIII in Figure 46. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a perspective view showing the terminal-side unit that constitutes the fastening portion between one of the terminal sections and the connecting section shown in Figure 42. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of LL in Figure 49. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure> First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. The electrically conductive components of this disclosure are (1) A current-carrying component for electrically connecting multiple terminals, comprising: a current-carrying member having multiple connection parts fastened to each of the multiple terminals in a connected state; an insulating case housing the current-carrying member; and a connection part side relay part provided on the connection part fastened to the terminal covered by the terminal cover, which is connected to the terminal by being inserted through the terminal opening window, wherein at least one of the multiple terminals is covered by an insulating terminal cover having a terminal opening window.

[0012] According to the electrically conductive component of this disclosure, at least one of a plurality of terminals and connection parts is covered with an insulating cover, and at least one of the terminals and connection parts is exposed through an opening window provided in the insulating cover. Therefore, by covering at least one of the terminals and connection parts that require electric shock countermeasures, such as when the terminal or connection part may be a live part, contact between the terminal or connection part and the worker can be suppressed. Furthermore, the connection part or terminal part that is fastened to the terminal or connection part covered with the insulating cover is provided with a relay part that is inserted through an opening window provided in the insulating cover and connected to the terminal or connection part. Therefore, even if the terminal or connection part is covered with an insulating cover, an electrical connection between the terminal part and the connection part can be achieved.

[0013] Furthermore, in the electrically conductive components of this disclosure, since an insulating cover and a relay section can be provided for the terminal or connection section where electric shock prevention is desired and for the connection or terminal section fastened to it, the degree of design freedom can be improved. For example, if there is only one connection section or terminal section that may be a live part, an insulating cover and a relay section can be provided for the single connection section and the terminal section fastened to it, thereby providing electric shock prevention measures while keeping costs down. Also, for example, if there are two terminal sections that may be live parts, an excellent electric shock prevention measure can be achieved by providing insulating covers for both terminal sections and relay sections for both connection sections. In addition, it is preferable that the opening window be sized to allow the passage of the relay section while preventing the insertion of a worker's finger. Electrically conductive components include those in which the conductive member is made up of busbars, and those made up of wire harnesses with connection parts at both ends. In the case of wire harnesses, this includes configurations in which a connection part at one end of the wire harness, which is connected to a terminal part protected from electric shock by an insulating cover, is covered by an insulating case, and a relay part at the connection part protrudes from the case to the outside.

[0014] At least one of the multiple terminal sections is covered with an insulating terminal section cover, and the terminal section is exposed through a terminal section opening window provided in the insulating terminal section cover. Therefore, by covering at least one of the multiple terminal sections where electric shock countermeasures are required, such as when the terminal section may be a live part, contact with the terminal section by workers can be suppressed. In addition, the connection part of the current-carrying member fastened to the terminal section covered by the terminal section cover is provided with a connection part on the connection part side that is inserted through the terminal section opening window provided in the terminal section cover and connected to the terminal section. Therefore, even if the terminal section is covered with a terminal section cover, an electrical connection between the terminal section and the connection part can be achieved.

[0015] (2) In the connection part on which the connecting part side relay part is provided, it is preferable that the connection part is housed in the case and enclosed by the case. In the connection of a conductive member provided with a connecting-side relay section, connection between the terminal and the connection can be achieved as long as at least the connecting-side relay section protrudes outside the case. Therefore, if the connection is enclosed by the case and not exposed to the outside of the case, contact with the connection by workers, etc., can be advantageously suppressed compared to the conventional structure in which the entire lower surface of the connection was exposed from the case.

[0016] (3) Preferably, the energizing member is made up of a bus bar, and two connection portions are provided at both longitudinal ends of the bus bar, and a crank-shaped bend is provided that is bent in the thickness direction of the bus bar. As a result, the crank-shaped bend provided between the two connection points can favorably absorb tolerances in the thickness direction of the busbar that occur between the two terminal points to which each connection point is connected. While at least one crank-shaped bend is sufficient, if the two connection points need to be located at the same position in the thickness direction of the busbar, a pair of crank-shaped bends with opposite bending directions can be provided to set the two connection points at the same position. Furthermore, multiple crank-shaped bends or multiple pairs of crank-shaped bends with opposite bending directions can also be provided.

[0017] (4) The terminal portion and the connecting portion are fastened together using a bolt, and it is preferable that the bolt insertion holes provided in the connecting portion and the connecting portion-side relay portion have a first space that allows displacement of the bolt in a predetermined direction, and the case has a second space that allows displacement of the bolt and the connecting portion-side relay portion in the predetermined direction. As a result, when bolting the terminal portion and the connection portion together, the tolerances of the separation distance between one terminal portion and the other terminal portion accumulate in a predetermined direction, and these tolerances can be absorbed by the first and second spaces. The locations where the first and second spaces are provided can be set in the predetermined direction where tolerance absorption is required, and can be arbitrarily set according to the part to which the terminal connection structure is applied.

[0018] (5) In the above (4), it is preferable that the bolt is housed in the case, the upper surface of the case has an upper opening that exposes the insulated head of the bolt, and the lower surface of the case has a lower opening that exposes the threaded portion of the bolt and the connecting portion side relay portion. Since the bolts for fastening are housed within the case of the conductive component, the components in the tightening process of the terminal and connection can be unitized, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, since the bolt heads exposed through the top opening in the case are insulated, measures to prevent electric shock on the top side of the case are also achieved. In addition, since only the threaded portion of the bolt and the intermediate portion on the connection side are exposed through the bottom opening in the case, contact between the worker and the connection on the bottom side of the case is advantageously suppressed.

[0019] (6) In the above (4), the case houses the bolt, the upper surface of the case has an upper opening that exposes the head of the bolt, and the upper surface of the head of the bolt has a tool fitting hole formed therein that fits the tip of a fastening tool, and in a plan view, the tool fitting hole is exposed to the outside through the upper opening, and the outer circumference of the head is covered by the upper surface of the case. By employing a bolt with a tool fitting hole on the top surface of the bolt head, the opening area of ​​the case's top surface can be reduced to a size sufficient for the tip of a fastening tool to pass through, and the outer circumference of the bolt head can be covered by the top surface of the case. This effectively suppresses or prevents contact with the live part of the bolt without requiring insulation treatment on the bolt head. In addition to a circular cross-section, the tool fitting hole can be any shape, such as a hexagon, a star, or a + or -.

[0020] (7) In the above (6), it is preferable that the portion on the upper surface of the case that covers the outer circumference of the head of the bolt is separated upward from the head. By positioning the upper part of the case that covers the outer circumference of the bolt head above the bolt head, and increasing the distance between the top opening of the case and the bolt head, the possibility of contact with the bolt through the top opening can be further reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to ensure a certain size for the top opening to improve workability.

[0021] (8) The terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together using bolts, and the case is provided with guide walls around the connection portion side relay portion and the threaded portion of the bolt, and it is preferable that the guide walls are higher than the connection portion side relay portion. Since the guide wall is higher than the intermediate section on the connection side, contact by the worker with the intermediate section and the connection is further advantageously suppressed. Furthermore, when the threaded portion of the bolt housed in the case of the conductive component is screwed into the terminal, the guide wall also advantageously suppresses contact by the worker with the bolt, thereby improving safety during bolt fastening work. More preferably, the guide wall protrudes to a length equal to or greater than the tip of the threaded portion of the bolt.

[0022] (9) In (8) above, it is preferable that the guide wall is provided near the connection portion and that the displacement is suppressed by the guide wall coming into contact with the member provided on the terminal portion side. By incorporating a displacement suppression function into the guide wall, it becomes possible to achieve both improved safety and work efficiency during bolt fastening operations with a reduced number of parts.

[0023] (10) It is preferable that the connecting portion side relay portion and the current-carrying member are formed integrally. This is because integrating the connecting-side relay section and the conductive member makes the relatively small connecting-side relay section easier to handle, thereby improving assembly efficiency. There are no limitations on the method of integrally forming the connecting-side relay section with the conductive member; any method can be used. For example, if the conductive member is made of a metal plate, the connecting-side relay section can be made to protrude by burring the connecting section. Alternatively, the conductive member and the connecting-side relay section, which are formed separately, may be integrated by welding or other means. The conductive member and the connecting-side relay section may also be integrally provided as a die-cast product of aluminum or the like.

[0024] (11) In any of the above (1) to (9), it is preferable that the connecting portion side relay portion and the energizing member are formed separately, and the connecting portion side relay portion is held in the case. By separating the conductive component and the connecting-side relay section, the freedom of material selection for these components can be increased. Furthermore, since the connecting-side relay section is held in the case, the relatively small size of the connecting-side relay section makes it easy to handle. Any structure can be used to hold the connecting-side relay section in the case, such as a mating joint or a support structure using flanges. The connecting-side relay section may also be held in place by insert molding into the case.

[0025] (12) In the above (11), it is preferable that the connecting portion side relay portion has a cylindrical portion that protrudes to the outside of the case and a flange portion that protrudes outward from one end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion of the connecting portion side relay portion is inserted into an opening hole that penetrates the case, and the flange portion of the connecting portion side relay portion engages with the periphery of the opening hole from the inside of the case, thereby holding the connecting portion side relay portion in the case. This is because the cylindrical portion of the connecting section can protrude outside the case while the flange portion can be housed and held inside the case, allowing for a simple structure that enables both the connecting section to protrude outside the case and be held within the case.

[0026] (13) In the above (11), it is preferable that the connecting portion side relay portion is held in the case by being press-fitted into an opening hole that penetrates the case. This is because simply press-fitting the connecting-side relay into an opening in the case allows the connecting-side relay to protrude outside the case and be held in place by the case, thus simplifying the structure of both the case and the connecting-side relay.

[0027] (14) It is preferable that a plurality of relay portions on the connection portion side are provided protruding from the connection portion at a distance from each other. This is because the connection-side relay section can be separated and arranged at multiple locations, improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement and material selection of the connection-side relay section. Furthermore, the multiple connection-side relay sections may be provided integrally with the energizing member or as separate components.

[0028] (15) Preferably, the terminal portion and the connection portion are fastened together using bolts, an annular opening window of the terminal portion is formed around the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion, and an annular connection portion side relay portion is arranged around the bolt insertion hole of the connection portion. The terminal and connection parts are securely fastened and fixed using bolts. Furthermore, by utilizing the bolt insertion holes necessary for bolt fastening, the terminal opening window and the connection side relay part can be compactly provided, thereby reducing the size of the terminal connection structure. In addition, the connection side relay part can be configured in a ring shape, ensuring the strength of the connection side relay part.

[0029] (16) Preferably, an insulating connector cover covers one of the other of the plurality of connectors, and a connector opening window is provided in the connector cover to partially expose the other connector, and a terminal-side relay portion is provided in one of the plurality of connectors that is fastened to the other connector covered by the connector cover, and the terminal-side relay portion is inserted through the connector opening window and connected to the other connector. Since one of the multiple terminal sections is covered by a terminal section cover, for example, by applying this to the terminal section of a battery module that is a live part, contact with the terminal section by workers can be suppressed, and the required electric shock prevention measures can be met. Furthermore, after fastening one connection section of the energizing member to the terminal section that is a live part, another connection section of the energizing member becomes a live part, but in this embodiment, since the other connection section is covered by a connection section cover, contact with the other connection section that is a live part by workers can be suppressed. As a result, fastening work of multiple terminal sections with an energizing member can be performed under excellent electric shock prevention conditions. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connection opening window provided in the connection cover be sized to allow insertion of the terminal-side relay section while preventing the worker's fingers from being inserted.

[0030] (17) In the above (16), the other terminal portion and the other connection portion are fastened together using a bolt and a nut, and on the other connection portion side, the nut is housed in the case, and the nut and the tip of the bolt fastened to the nut are positioned in an insulated state in an upper opening provided on the upper surface of the case, the connection portion cover is formed by the bottom wall of the case, the connection portion opening window is provided penetrating the bottom wall, and the bolt and the terminal portion side relay portion are arranged on the other terminal portion. On one of the connection points of the conductive component, a fastening nut is housed within the case, and on the other terminal, both a fastening bolt and a terminal-side relay are provided. This allows the other terminal and the other connection point to be unitized, including the fastening components, further improving the handling and workability of the components. Furthermore, since the nut located at the top opening of the case and the tip of the bolt fastened to the nut are insulated, electric shock prevention measures on the top side of the case are also achieved. In addition, the bolt and terminal-side relay are provided at the other terminal. Therefore, by applying this to terminals that do not become live parts, such as the terminals of an electrical connection box connected to a battery module, the problem of electric shock cannot occur. Furthermore, any configuration can be used to insulate the nut located at the top opening of the case and the tip of the bolt fastened to the nut; for example, a bag-shaped nut cover can be used.

[0031] (18) Preferably, the case is provided with a connection blocking portion that prevents the connection of the connection portion and the terminal portion, and the connection blocking portion is displaceable to an allowable position that allows the connection of the connection portion and the terminal portion. Since the case of the electrically conductive component is equipped with a connection-blocking section that prevents the connection between the connection part and the terminal part, it is possible to prevent malfunctions such as one connection part of the electrically conductive component being connected to the terminal part due to a misoperation during the connection work between terminal parts, causing the other connection part of the electrically conductive component to unintentionally become live. Moreover, since the connection-blocking section is displaceable to an allowable position that permits the connection between the connection part and the terminal part, the connection between the connection part and the terminal part can be controlled with a single component. In addition, by having the operator displace the connection-blocking section to the allowable position during the connection work, the operator can be sure to perform the connection between the connection part and the terminal part with full awareness, thereby reliably preventing malfunctions such as the other connection part of the electrically conductive component unintentionally becoming live.

[0032] (19) In (18) above, it is preferable that the connection blocking portion has a fitting portion that fits into the fitting portion on the terminal portion side when the connection blocking portion is displaced to the allowable position. Since the connection blocking portion has a mating portion, and the mating portion engages with the mated portion on the terminal side when the connection blocking portion is displaced to an allowable position, the connection blocking portion can also serve as the fixing structure for the terminal and connection portion, and excellent connection stability between the terminal and connection portion can be ensured with a small number of parts.

[0033] (20) In (19) above, it is preferable that the mating portion and the mated portion are mated in the normal mating position of the terminal portion and the connecting portion. This is because the fitting of the mating part and the mated part allows the worker to detect the proper mating of the terminal part and the connection part.

[0034] (21) In any of (18) to (20) above, the case houses a bolt for fastening the connection portion to the terminal portion, the upper surface of the case is provided with an upper opening that exposes the insulated head of the bolt, and the lower surface of the case is provided with a lower opening that exposes the threaded portion of the bolt and the connection portion side relay portion, and the connection blocking portion is preferably displaceable between a blocking position that covers the lower opening and covers the threaded portion of the bolt and the connection portion side relay portion, and an allowable position that opens the lower opening and allows connection between the threaded portion of the bolt and the connection portion side relay portion to the terminal portion. This is because the connection blocking section can cover the lower opening at the blocking position, reliably preventing the bolt's threaded portion and the connecting section's relay portion from being exposed, thus providing superior protection against electric shock.

[0035] (22) Preferably, the case comprises an insulating cover that covers the longitudinal middle portion of the current-carrying member, and an end case that covers at least one of the two connection portions provided at both longitudinal ends of the current-carrying member and exposed from the insulating cover, wherein the end case is assembled to the current-carrying member so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, the connection portion and the terminal portion are fastened together using bolts and nuts, and the bolt insertion holes provided through the connection portion have a displacement-allowing gap that allows displacement of the end case relative to the current-carrying member in the longitudinal direction. Since the insulating case housing the conductive member is composed of an insulating coating that covers the longitudinal middle portion of the conductive member and an end case that covers at least one of them, a more compact and low-cost case can be provided. Moreover, the end case is assembled so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the conductive member, and the bolt insertion hole provided through the connection part is also provided with a displacement tolerance gap that allows for displacement of the end case relative to the conductive member in the longitudinal direction. As a result, when fastening the connection part and the terminal part using bolts and nuts, the tolerance of the distance between the two terminal parts can be absorbed by the displacement of the end case relative to the conductive member on the conductive component side.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrically conductive components of this disclosure are (23) A current-carrying component for electrically connecting multiple terminals, comprising: a current-carrying member having multiple connection portions that are fastened to each of the multiple terminals in a connected state; an insulating case housing the current-carrying member; and a connection portion cover having a connection portion opening window that covers the connection portion fastened to the terminal including the terminal portion-side relay portion and partially exposes the connection portion, wherein the terminal portion-side relay portion is inserted through the connection portion opening window and connected to the connection portion. At least one connection point is covered by a connection point cover, and the connection point is partially exposed through a connection point opening window provided in the connection point cover. Therefore, by covering at least one connection point with a connection point cover, such as when the connection point may be a live part, contact between workers and the connection point requiring electric shock protection can be suppressed. In addition, the terminal part fastened to the connection point covered by the connection point cover is provided with a terminal-side relay part that is inserted through a connection point opening window provided in the connection point cover and connected to the connection point. Therefore, even if the connection point is covered by a connection point cover, an electrical connection between the connection point and the terminal part can be achieved.

[0037] The junction box in this disclosure is (24) A junction box having a terminal portion to which the connection portion of any of the energizing components described in (1) to (23) above is connected, wherein the terminal portion is provided with a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion, and is connected to the connection portion of the energizing member provided with the connection portion side relay portion or connection portion cover. According to this disclosure, a junction box that can enjoy the effects of any of the above energizing components can be provided.

[0038] (25) In the above (24), the terminal portion and the connecting portion are fastened together using bolts, and it is preferable that the terminal portion cover includes an inner portion that covers the inner surface of the bolt insertion hole provided in the terminal portion. This is because the inner circumference of the terminal cover covers the inner surface of the bolt insertion hole in the terminal, thereby advantageously suppressing contact of workers or others with the inner surface of the bolt insertion hole in the terminal. The inner circumference of the terminal cover may be integrated with other parts of the terminal cover, or it may be provided separately and constitute the terminal cover in a manner that it is held in the bolt insertion hole of the terminal.

[0039] (26) In the above (25), it is preferable that the inner circumference of the terminal cover is integrated with the other parts of the terminal cover. This is because it makes the inner circumference of the terminal cover, which is relatively small, easier to handle.

[0040] (27) In the above (25) or (26), it is preferable that the terminal opening window is formed in an annular shape around the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion, the annular connecting portion side relay portion is arranged around the bolt insertion hole of the connecting portion, the annular terminal opening window is partitioned between the inner circumference of the terminal portion cover and the outer circumference of the terminal portion cover which is provided at a radially outward distance from the inner circumference, and the surface of the terminal portion around the bolt insertion hole is covered by the outer circumference. Since the inner circumference of the terminal cover that partitions the annular terminal opening window covers the inner surface of the bolt insertion hole in the terminal, contact of workers or others with the inner surface of the bolt insertion hole in the terminal can be advantageously suppressed.

[0041] (28) In any of (24) to (27) above, the terminal portion and the connecting portion are fastened together using bolts, the terminal portion opening window is open to a size that exposes the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion and its surrounding area, and a projection is provided on the peripheral edge of the terminal portion opening window that protrudes toward the connecting portion side relay portion. Even if the terminal opening window is sized to include the bolt insertion hole and its surrounding area, the presence of a projection on the peripheral edge of the terminal opening window toward the connecting section relay section allows for a favorable reduction in the possibility of contact between the worker and the inside of the terminal opening window, such as the inner surface of the bolt insertion hole, depending on the height of the projection. Therefore, by adjusting the height of the projection, contact between the worker and the inner surface of the bolt insertion hole can be suppressed or prevented without using the inner surface of the terminal cover as defined in the embodiment of (25) above, and the number of parts can also be reduced.

[0042] (29) In the above (28), it is preferable that the projection is separated from the current-carrying component when the terminal portion and the connecting portion are fastened together using the bolt. When the terminal and connection are bolted together, the protrusion contacts one of the conductive components, preventing the axial force from being distributed to the terminal cover via the protrusion. Therefore, a strong and stable connection between the terminal and connection is achieved while ensuring that the protrusion does not come into contact with the terminal.

[0043] (30) In any of the above (24) to (29), it is preferable that the peripheral edge of the terminal opening window is flexible and deformable, and that the peripheral edge is pressed by the connecting portion side relay portion, thereby expanding the terminal opening window and allowing the connecting portion side relay portion to be inserted into the terminal opening window. Because the peripheral edge of the terminal opening window is widened by the connecting-side relay section, insertion of the connecting-side relay section into the terminal opening window is permitted. This allows for a reduction in the opening area of ​​the terminal opening window that exposes the terminal to the outside before connection to the connecting section of the power-carrying component. Therefore, the possibility of contact with the terminal by workers, etc., can be further reduced.

[0044] The busbar module of this disclosure is (31) A busbar module having a terminal portion to which the connection portion of any of the current-carrying components described in (1) to (23) above is connected, wherein the terminal portion is provided with a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion, and is connected to the connection portion of the current-carrying member provided with the connection portion side relay portion or connection portion cover. According to this disclosure, a busbar module that can enjoy the effects of any of the above current-carrying components can be provided.

[0045] The battery module disclosed herein is (32) A battery module having a terminal portion to which the connection portion of any of the current-conducting components described in (1) to (23) above is connected, wherein the terminal portion is provided with a terminal portion cover or a terminal portion side relay portion, and is connected to the connection portion of the current-conducting member provided with the connection portion side relay portion or connection portion cover. According to this disclosure, a battery module that can enjoy the effects of any of the above current-conducting components can be provided.

[0046] <Details of the embodiments of this disclosure> Specific examples of the terminal connection structures of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, and all modifications are intended to be included in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0047] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figures 1 to 7 show an example in which the terminal connection structure 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is applied to a battery module 12. The battery module 12 is used as a power source for vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. As shown in Figure 1, the battery module 12 includes a first battery module 12A and a second battery module 12B, which are connected to each other via the terminal connection structure 10 of the present disclosure. In Figure 1, the first battery module 12A is shown on the left and the second battery module 12B is shown on the right. In the following description, the Z direction will be described upward, the Y direction forward, and the X direction to the right. In addition, for multiple identical components, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of the components, while the reference numerals for other components may be omitted.

[0048] <First battery module 12A and second battery module 12B> The first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B each house multiple rechargeable single cells 16 within their respective casings 14A and 14B, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The battery modules 12A and 12B connect these multiple single cells 16 in series using busbars (not shown), resulting in an output voltage of, for example, 100V to 400V. Furthermore, the battery modules 12A and 12B can also increase their current capacity by connecting multiple single cells 16 in parallel. Such single cells 16 can include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium polymer secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc. Instead of, or in addition to, the single cells 16, capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) can also be used. Capacitors are also included in this specification.

[0049] The housings 14A and 14B are made of insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housings 14A and 14B are roughly rectangular box-shaped with an opening at the top, and have a bottom wall and a peripheral wall 18 surrounding the bottom wall. The front peripheral wall 18 of the housings 14A and 14B is thick. The upper end of the front peripheral wall 18 is cut out along its entire length, so that the upper end 20 of the front peripheral wall 18 is located below the upper end 22 of the single cell 16.

[0050] <Terminal connection structure 10> The first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B are each connected in series by a single cell 16 connected by a busbar or other component (not shown). Furthermore, the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B, each with a single cell 16 connected in series, are connected in series using a terminal connection structure 10 that electrically connects the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal unit 24 and the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal unit 26 via a conductive component 54.

[0051] <First terminal side unit 24> The first terminal unit 24, which has one of two terminal sections, includes a connection terminal 28 that can be connected to an external terminal and a housing 30 that holds the connection terminal 28, as shown in Figure 4. The connection terminal 28 is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy, and has a shape in which the middle part in the longitudinal direction is bent into an inverted U shape and both ends are bent into an L shape. The front end, which is one end in the longitudinal direction, is a terminal section 32 that is connected to the connection section 60 of the first connection unit 86 of the current-carrying component 54, which will be described later, and the rear end, which is the other end in the longitudinal direction, is a terminal fastening section 34 that is connected to the terminal of the single cell 16 of the first battery module 12A. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal section 32 is located on the first battery module 12A side than the terminal fastening section 34. Also, the terminal section 32 is located below the terminal fastening section 34. The terminal fastening section 34 has a through hole 36 formed therein for connecting to the terminal of the single cell 16 of the first battery module 12A.

[0052] The terminal portion 32 has a bolt insertion hole 38 formed through it, through which the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 of the power-conducting component 54, which will be described later, can be inserted. The bolt insertion hole 38 is circular in shape, and is sized to form a predetermined gap (a gap in which the inner circumference portion 48B, which will be described later, is placed) between the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 and the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38.

[0053] The housing 30 is made of insulating synthetic resin and, as shown in Figure 7, holds the connection terminal 28 inside. The housing 30 includes a terminal holding portion 40 for holding the connection terminal 28 and a terminal portion cover 48 as an insulating cover for the terminal portion 32. As shown in Figure 4, the terminal holding portion 40 has a substantially rectangular block shape, with a housing portion 42 formed in the center for housing a nut 44. A screw hole 46 is formed through the center of the nut 44, into which the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 of the current-carrying component 54, which will be described later, is screwed.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the insulating terminal cover 48 has a generally rectangular box shape and includes an outer peripheral portion 48A that constitutes the outer periphery of the terminal cover 48 and an inner peripheral portion 48B that constitutes the inner periphery of the terminal cover 48. As shown in Figure 7, the outer peripheral portion 48A covers the upper surface of the terminal portion 32 and is made of insulating synthetic resin with a thickness that can suppress or prevent electric shock to the terminal portion 32. A through hole 49 is formed in the center of the outer peripheral portion 48A. The inner peripheral portion 48B is arranged coaxially in the central part of the through hole 49, and a terminal opening window 50 is provided between the peripheral edge of the through hole 49 and the radially opposing surfaces of the inner peripheral portion 48B, as an opening window that partially exposes the terminal portion 32 of the connecting terminal 28. As shown in Figure 7, the terminal opening window 50 is provided in an annular region around the through hole 49. Of the insulating terminal cover 48, the area inside the terminal opening window 50 is the inner circumference 48B, and the area outside the terminal opening window 50 is the outer circumference 48A.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the inner circumference portion 48B is formed to cover the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38 that penetrates the terminal portion 32. In this way, the inner circumference portion 48B is provided in a cylindrical shape on the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38 and is formed with a thickness that can suppress or prevent electric shock to the inner wall of the bolt insertion hole 38. The inner surface of the inner circumference portion 48B is the inner surface of the insertion hole 51 through which the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84, which will be described later, is inserted. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, an annular projection 52 is provided at the lower end of the inner circumference portion 48B that protrudes diagonally downward outward. A tapered surface 53 extending diagonally downward is provided at the lower end of the inner circumference of the bolt insertion hole 38, and the inner circumference portion 48B is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 38 of the terminal portion 32 and fixed in a state where it is pressed against the terminal portion 32.

[0056] <Second terminal side unit 26> As shown in Figure 2, the second terminal unit 26, which has the other of the two terminal sections, has substantially the same structure as the first terminal unit 24, so its explanation will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0057] <Electrified component 54> As shown in Figure 5, the conductive component 54 includes a busbar 56 that constitutes a conductive member, a connecting-side relay portion 66 that serves as a relay portion, and an insulating case 70 that houses the conductive member.

[0058] <Bus Bar 56> The busbar 56, which constitutes the energizing member, is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy, and a pair of crank-shaped bends 58, 58 are provided at any point in the longitudinal middle portion of the busbar 56, bent in the direction of the plate thickness. Connection portions 60, 60 of the same shape are formed at both longitudinal ends of the busbar 56, and a substantially elliptical bolt insertion hole 62 is provided through the center with the longitudinal direction as the major axis, and positioning recesses 64 are formed on both sides in the width direction. The connection portions 60, 60 constitute the first connection portion side unit 86 and the second connection portion side unit 88, which will be described later. Here, the longitudinal middle portion refers to the portion between the connection portions 60, 60 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56, which is the portion between both longitudinal ends.

[0059] <Connection side relay section 66> As shown in Figure 5, the connecting section-side relay section 66 is composed of an annular metal member, and is made of a metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or iron. The connecting section-side relay section 66 comprises a cylindrical section 66A and a flange section 66B that protrudes in a flange-like manner from the upper end of the cylindrical section 66A outward. The inside of the connecting section-side relay section 66 is a bolt insertion hole 68 through which the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 is inserted. The bolt insertion hole 68 has a substantially elliptical shape, with the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56 as its major axis, similar to the bolt insertion hole 62 of the busbar 56. The flange section 66B protrudes in a stepped manner of a constant dimension over the entire circumference of the outer wall of the connecting section-side relay section 66 on the upper side in the axial direction of the bolt insertion hole 68.

[0060] <Case 70> The insulating case 70 housing the busbar 56 includes a case body 70A and a lid 70B, as shown in Figure 5. Both the case body 70A and the lid 70B are made of insulating synthetic resin and are formed separately. However, the case body 70A and the lid 70B may be integrally formed.

[0061] The case body 70A has a roughly rectangular box shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and the middle section in the longitudinal direction is shallow in accordance with the shape of the bus bar 56 housed inside. Bottom openings 74 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the bottom wall 72 that constitutes the lower surface of the case 70, through which the cylindrical portion 66A of the connecting portion side relay portion 66 is inserted and which holds the flange portion 66B of the connecting portion side relay portion 66 at its periphery. That is, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connecting portion side relay portion 66 is inserted through the bottom openings 74 that penetrate the case body 70A, and the flange portion 66B of the connecting portion side relay portion 66 engages with the periphery of the bottom openings 74 from the inside of the case body 70A, thereby holding the connecting portion side relay portion 66 in the case 70. Positioning protrusions 76 that engage with the positioning recesses 64 of the bus bar 56 are formed inward on both sides in the width direction of the bottom wall 72. Furthermore, guide walls 78 extend downward from both longitudinal ends of the bottom wall 72, along the entire width of the wall.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the lid 70B that forms the top surface of the case 70 is a roughly rectangular flat plate shape that extends in the longitudinal direction. Top openings 80 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lid 70B, exposing the heads of bolts 84 that are coated with insulating paint. The insulating paint is applied, for example, by coating with fluororesin or by nylon powder coating.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connecting portion-side relay portion 66 is held in the lower opening hole 74 of the case body 70A configured in this way. A bus bar 56 is placed above the flange portion 66B of the connecting portion-side relay portion 66. The bus bar 56 is positioned by the positioning recess 64 of the bus bar 56 fitting into the positioning projection 76 of the case body 70A. The bolt 84 is held in the connecting portion 60 of the bus bar 56 with its threaded portion 84A, which is coated with insulating paint, inserted through the bolt insertion hole 62 of the connecting portion 60 of the bus bar 56. The case body 70A, which houses the connecting portion-side relay portion 66, the bus bar 56, and the bolt 84 in this way, is covered by the lid 70B, forming the conductive component 54.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, the energizing component 54 has a first connection unit 86 at the end on the first battery module 12A side in the longitudinal direction, and a second connection unit 88 at the end on the second battery module 12B side in the longitudinal direction. Both the first connection unit 86 and the second connection unit 88 have connection parts 60, 60 and bolts 84 to the connection relay part 66 and bus bar 56 housed in an insulating case 70.

[0065] In the electrically conductive component 54 configured in this way, as shown in Figure 7, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection-side relay portion 66 protrudes to the outside by passing through the bottom opening hole 74 of the bottom wall 72 of the case body 70A which constitutes the lower surface of the case 70. Also, the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 protrudes to the outside by passing through the bottom opening hole 74. In addition, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection-side relay portion 66 and the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 are surrounded by a guide wall 78, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. That is, the parts of the connection-side relay portion 66 other than the cylindrical portion 66A that constitute the first connection-side unit 86 and the second connection-side unit 88, and the busbar 56 including the connection portions 60, 60 are all housed in an insulating case 70, are not exposed to the outside of the case 70, and are enclosed by the case 70. Furthermore, guide walls 78 are formed around the cylindrical portion 66A of the connecting portion-side relay portion 66 and the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84, extending beyond the tip of the connecting portion-side relay portion 66 and having approximately the same dimensions as the tip of the threaded portion 84A. In other words, the guide walls 78 are higher than the connecting portion-side relay portion 66. Moreover, the guide walls 78 are provided near the connecting portion 60, and as shown in Figure 6, the pair of guide walls 78, 78 abut against the connecting terminals 28 provided on each terminal-side unit 24, 26, thereby suppressing the displacement of the conductive component 54 relative to each terminal-side unit 24, 26.

[0066] The bolt insertion holes of each connection-side unit 86, 88 are formed by including bolt insertion holes 62 provided in the connection portions 60, 60 of the busbar 56 and bolt insertion holes 68 provided in the connection-side intermediate portion 66, which constitute the first connection-side unit 86 and the second connection-side unit 88. These bolt insertion holes 62, 68 have a substantially elliptical shape with the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56 as their major axis. Therefore, using the first connection-side unit 86 shown in Figure 7 as an example, when the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 is arranged coaxially in the bolt insertion holes 62, 68, first spaces a1, a2 are provided on both sides of the radial direction of the threaded portion 84A, which is in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56, to allow displacement of the bolt 84 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56. On the other hand, the case body 70A and lid 70B that constitute the power-conducting component 54 are provided with second spaces b1, b2, b3, as shown in Figure 7, which allow for displacement of the bolts 84 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56 and the connecting portion side relay portion 66.

[0067] <Connection between conductive components and terminals> The electrically conductive component 54, configured in this way, is assembled to the first terminal unit 24 and the second terminal unit 26, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. This bolts the connection portion 60 of the first connection unit 86 to the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal unit 24, and bolts the connection portion 60 of the second connection unit 88 to the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal unit 26 via the connection portion relay portion 66. The bolting is performed by tightening the bolts 84 and nuts 44. The assembly process of the first connection unit 86 to the first terminal unit 24 is almost the same as the assembly process of the second connection unit 88 to the second terminal unit 26. Therefore, only the assembly process of the first connection unit 86 to the first terminal unit 24 will be described here.

[0068] First, the terminal fastening portions 34 of the connection terminals 28 of the first terminal unit 24 and the second terminal unit 26 shown in Figure 2 are fastened to the terminals of the foremost single cell 16 of the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B using fastening members (not shown). In this state, the upper part of the single cell 16 is covered by an upper case (not shown) over almost its entire surface.

[0069] In this state, as shown in Figure 7, the terminal portion 32 of the connection terminal 28 of the first terminal unit 24 (second terminal unit 26) is covered by the outer peripheral portion 48A and inner peripheral portion 48B that constitute the insulating terminal cover 48. There is a terminal opening window 50 in which the terminal portion 32 of the connection terminal 28 is partially exposed, but it is small enough for a worker's fingertip, so contact of a worker or foreign object with the terminal portion 32 of the connection terminal 28 through the terminal opening window 50 is suppressed. In addition, because the connection terminal 28 is high voltage, particularly high safety requirements are set. For example, standards from the German Electronics Technology Association (VDE), such as VDE0470, and European standards, such as IEC / EN61032, provide protection from human finger contact. For corresponding tests, the so-called test finger F shown in Figure 7 is provided. In this embodiment, the terminal opening window 50 is open, and the test finger F is too small to be inserted through it.

[0070] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the first connection unit 86 of the conductive component 54 is superimposed on the first terminal unit 24 from above. In this state, access to the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection-side relay portion 66, and the terminal portion 32 exposed through the terminal opening window 50 is restricted by the guide wall 78, ensuring worker safety. The threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 is inserted through the insertion hole 51 of the inner circumference 48B of the first terminal unit 24 and screwed into the threaded hole 46 of the nut 44. At this time, a tool (not shown) can be inserted through the upper opening 80 of the cover 70B of the conductive component 54 to fasten the bolt 84 to the nut 44. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the cylindrical portion 66A of the connecting-side relay portion 66 is inserted through the terminal opening window 50 of the first terminal-side unit 24, and the cylindrical portion 66A of the connecting-side relay portion 66 is in contact with the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal-side unit 24. Then, the bolt is fastened with the terminal portion 32 of the connecting terminal 28, the connecting-side relay portion 66, and the connecting portion 60 of the busbar 56 sandwiched between the head of the bolt 84 and the nut 44.

[0071] As a result, the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal unit 24 and the connection portion 60 of the first connection unit 86 of the energized component 54 are electrically connected via the connection-side relay portion 66. Similarly, the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal unit 26 and the connection portion 60 of the second connection unit 88 of the energized component 54 are electrically connected via the connection-side relay portion 66. This completes the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 10.

[0072] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, the terminal portion 32 of the connection terminal 28 of the first terminal-side unit 24 and the second terminal-side unit 26 is covered by the outer peripheral portion 48A and the inner peripheral portion 48B that constitute an insulating terminal cover 48. Therefore, even if a terminal opening window 50 that partially exposes the terminal portion 32 is provided, it is small compared to the fingertips of a worker, so contact of the worker or foreign objects with the terminal portion 32 through the terminal opening window 50 can be suppressed. In addition, the connection portion 60 of the busbar 56 of the connection portion units 86 and 88 and the terminal portions 32 of the terminal-side units 24 and 26 can be electrically connected via the connection portion-side relay portion 66 that is inserted through the terminal opening window 50 and connected to the terminal portions 32 of the terminal-side units 24 and 26. Therefore, the terminal portion 32 and the connection portion 60 can be electrically connected.

[0073] Furthermore, by providing insulating terminal covers 48 on all terminal portions 32, excellent measures to prevent electric shock can be achieved. In this embodiment, when connecting the terminals of opposite poles of adjacent single cell groups 16 of two battery modules 12A and 12B, both the terminal portions 32 of the first terminal portion unit 24 and the second terminal portion unit 26 become live parts. Therefore, by covering both the terminal portions 32 of the first terminal portion unit 24 and the second terminal portion unit 26 with insulating terminal covers 48, contact with live parts by workers, etc. can be suppressed, thereby improving safety.

[0074] By fixing the terminal portion 32 and the connecting portion 60 with bolts, the terminal portion 32 and the connecting portion 60 can be stably tightened and fixed. Furthermore, the terminal portion opening window 50 is formed in an annular shape around the bolt insertion hole 68, the inner hole of the connecting portion side relay portion 66 is the bolt insertion hole 68, and the connecting portion side relay portion 66 is made of an annular metal member. Therefore, the terminal portion opening window 50 and the connecting portion side relay portion 66 can be formed compactly, and the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 10 can be miniaturized. Moreover, by making the connecting portion side relay portion 66 an annular metal member, the strength of the connecting portion side relay portion 66 can be ensured.

[0075] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 66A of the connecting portion side relay portion 66 that connects to the connecting portion 60 is surrounded by a guide wall 78 and is not exposed to the outside of the case 70. Therefore, compared to the conventional structure in which the connecting portion 60 was exposed from the case over its entire lower surface, contact with the connecting portion 60 by workers, etc., can be advantageously suppressed.

[0076] The energizing member is composed of a busbar 56, and a pair of crank-shaped bends 58 are provided in the longitudinal middle portion of the busbar 56, bent in the thickness direction of the busbar 56. This allows for advantageous absorption of tolerances in the thickness direction of the busbar 56 that occur between the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal unit 24 and the terminal portion 32 of the second terminal unit 26 to which the connection portions 60 provided at both longitudinal ends of the busbar 56 are connected. Furthermore, by providing a pair of crank-shaped bends 58 facing in opposite directions, each connection portion 60 can be positioned at the same location in the thickness direction of the busbar 56. In addition, since the bolt insertion holes 62 of the connection portions 60 of the busbar 56 are elliptical in shape extending in the longitudinal direction, tolerances in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56 that occur between the connection portions 60 of the busbar 56 and the terminal portions 32 to which they are connected can be advantageously absorbed.

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, the bolt insertion holes 62 of the connection part 60 and the bolt insertion holes 68 of the connection part-side relay part 66 are provided with first spaces: a1, a2 to allow displacement of the bolts 84 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56, while the case body 70A and lid 70B of the power-conducting component 54 are provided with second spaces: b1, b2, b3 to allow displacement of the bolts 84 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56 and the connection part-side relay part 66. As a result, when bolting each connection part 60, 60 of the power-conducting component 54 to the terminal part 32, variations in the separation distance between the terminal part 32 of the first terminal part-side unit 24 and the terminal part 32 of the second terminal part-side unit 26, which occur due to the accumulation of dimensional tolerances in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 56, can be advantageously absorbed by the first spaces: a1, a2 and the second spaces: b1, b2, b3. Note that the first space: a2 also serves as a space to accommodate the inner circumference 48B.

[0078] The case 70 constituting the conductive component 54 has an upper opening 80 on its upper surface that exposes the head of a bolt 84, which is coated with insulating paint. The case 70 also has a lower opening hole 74 on its lower surface that exposes the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 and the connecting portion 66. Since the bolt 84 is pre-housed inside the case 70, workability during bolt fastening can be improved. Furthermore, since the head of the bolt 84 is coated with insulating paint, measures to prevent electric shock on the upper side of the case are also achieved. Moreover, since only the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 and the connecting portion 66 are exposed through the lower opening hole 74 in the case 70, contact between the worker and the connecting portion 60 on the lower side of the case 70 is advantageously suppressed.

[0079] Since the guide wall 78 is higher than the connecting section 66, contact between the worker and the connecting section 66 can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the guide wall 78 protrudes by approximately the same dimensions as the tip of the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84. Therefore, contact between the worker and the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 during bolt fastening can be effectively suppressed, thereby improving safety during bolt fastening work.

[0080] The pair of guide walls 78 contact the respective connection terminals 28 of the terminal-side units 24 and 26, thereby suppressing or limiting the displacement of the energized component 54. This prevents, for example, the energized component 54 from displacing after the first connection-side unit 86 is bolted to the first terminal-side unit 24, and exposing the connection portion 60 of the second connection-side unit 88, which is a live part, to an area accessible to workers.

[0081] In addition, by separating the connecting-side relay portion 66 and the busbar 56, which is an energizing member, the freedom of material selection for these components can be improved. Moreover, since the connecting-side relay portion 66 is held in the case 70, the relatively small connecting-side relay portion 66 is easy to handle. Furthermore, by engaging the flange portion 66B side of the connecting-side relay portion 66 with the periphery of the lower opening hole 74 from inside the case 70, the connecting-side relay portion 66 is housed and held within the case 70, thus enabling both protrusion of the connecting-side relay portion 66 outside the case 70 and retention within the case 70 with a simple structure.

[0082] Although Embodiment 1 has been described in detail above as a specific example of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited by this specific description. Modifications, improvements, etc., to the extent that they can achieve the objectives of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. For example, the following modifications of the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. In the following modifications 3 to 12, the second terminal side unit 26 and the second connection side unit 88 are illustrated and explained, but these modifications are similarly applicable to the first terminal side unit 24 and the first connection side unit 86, and may be applied to either the first terminal side unit 24 and the first connection side unit 86 or the second terminal side unit 26 and the second connection side unit 88, or to both.

[0083] <Example 1> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B were connected, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the terminal connection structure 90 of Modification 1 shown in Figure 8, the battery module 12 and the junction box 92 may be connected, and it is possible to connect the terminals of any two devices. Furthermore, although the conductive component 54 was formed in a straight line, the conductive component 94 may be L-shaped, for example, as in the terminal connection structure 90 of the modified example 1 shown in Figure 8, and any shape can be adopted. The shapes of the two bolt insertion holes 62 of the connection portion 60, 60 of the bus bar 96 constituting the conductive component 94 are both substantially elliptical in shape, with the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 96 as the major axis, as shown in Figure 9, and their directions are mutually orthogonal (X direction and Y direction in Figure 9). As in the exemplary embodiment 1, the bolt insertion holes 68 of the connection portion side relay portion 66 are also elliptical in shape, and first spaces a1, a2 are provided to allow displacement of the bolt 84, and further, in the case 70, second spaces b1, b2, b3 are provided to allow displacement of the bolt 84 and the connection portion side relay portion 66, thereby enabling tolerance absorption in two orthogonal directions.

[0084] <Modification 2> In addition, although both terminal sections 32, 32 were covered by an insulating terminal cover 48, as in the terminal connection structure 100 of Modified Example 2 which connects the junction box 92 and the external terminal 98, only the terminal section 32 of the second terminal section unit 26 on the junction box 92 side may be covered by the insulating terminal cover 48. In other words, it is possible to cover only at least one terminal section that could be a live part with an insulating terminal cover 48, thereby preventing electric shock while keeping costs down.

[0085] <Variation 3> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the head of the bolt 84 was coated with insulating paint, but this is not the only way to do so. For example, as in the terminal connection structure 102 of Modified Example 3 shown in Figures 10 to 11, it is possible to use a socket head cap screw 104 without insulating paint on the head as the bolt used for the conductive component 54. The socket head cap screw 104 has a cylindrical head 104A and a slightly smaller diameter threaded portion 104B extending downward from the head 104A. A hexagonal cross-section tool fitting hole 104C is formed in the central part of the upper surface of the head 104A, opening upward, into which the tip of a fastening tool (not shown) is fitted. In addition, of the case body 106A and lid 106B of the case 106 that houses and holds the socket head cap screw 104, a bottomed cylindrical projection 108 is provided at the end of the lid 106B in the longitudinal direction (X direction), projecting upward from the upper surface of the lid 106B and opening downward. A circular cross-sectional upper opening 80 is formed in the center of the upper wall 108A of the projection 108. As a result, in a plan view, the tool fitting hole 104C is exposed to the outside through the upper opening 80, and the outer circumference of the head 104A is covered by the upper wall 108A of the projection 108 formed on the lid 106B which forms the upper surface of the case 106. As shown in Figure 11, in the lid 106B which constitutes the upper surface of the case 106, the upper wall 108A of the projection 108, which covers the outer circumference of the head 104A of the hex socket head bolt 104, is configured to be separated upward from the head 104A. The tip of the tool (not shown) used when fastening the hex socket head bolt 104 is sized to be insertable into the tool fitting hole 104C. The tip of the tool (not shown) used when fastening the bolt 84 used in the terminal connection structure 10 described above is larger than the head of the bolt 84 because it is necessary to grip the head of the bolt 84. Therefore, in the terminal connection structure 102 of Modified Example 3, the diameter of the upper opening 80 of the cover 106B in the case 106 of the conductive component 54 can be made smaller than the diameter of the upper opening 80 of the cover 70B in the terminal connection structure 10 described above. Furthermore, in the terminal connection structure 102 of Modified Example 3, the upper wall 108A of the projection 108 that covers the outer circumference of the head 104A of the hex socket head bolt 104 is separated upward from the head 104A of the hex socket head bolt 104. This makes it possible to advantageously suppress or prevent contact of fingers with the head of the bolt 84, which is a live part, while ensuring a certain size of the upper opening 80, without having to apply insulating treatment to the head of the bolt 84 used in the terminal connection structure 10 described above. Although a hexagonal cross-section was used as an example for the cross-sectional shape of the tool fitting hole 104C in this explanation, any shape other than a hexagon, such as a polygon, star, + or -, or a circular cross-section, can be used, as long as it is not a circular cross-section.

[0086] <Modification 4> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the connection-side relay portion 66 and the busbar 56, which is an energizing member, were formed separately, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the terminal connection structure 110 of Modification 4 shown in Figures 12 to 13, the connection-side relay portion 112 may be integrally formed with the busbar 56. This makes it easier to handle the connection-side relay portion 112, which is a relatively small component. Therefore, it is possible to improve assembly workability, etc. The connection-side relay portion 112 can be formed, for example, by burring. As a result, the upper opening of the bolt insertion hole 68 of the connection-side relay portion 112 is tapered, widening outward toward upward. Therefore, it is possible to easily insert the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84 into the bolt insertion hole 68. Note that there is no limit to the method of integrally forming the connection-side relay portion 112 with the busbar 56, and any method can be adopted. For example, the busbar 56 and the connecting section 112 may be integrally formed as a die-cast product of aluminum or the like.

[0087] <Modification 5> Alternatively, as shown in the modified example 5 terminal connection structure 114 in Figures 14 to 15, the flat-shaped busbars 56 and the cylindrical connection-side relay portion 116, which are formed separately, may be integrated using known means such as welding. In this case as well, the connection-side relay portion 116, which is a relatively small component, becomes easier to handle. Therefore, improvements in assembly workability can be achieved.

[0088] <Variation 6> In the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the connecting portion-side relay portion 66 comprises a cylindrical tubular portion 66A and a flange portion 66B protruding outward from the tubular portion 66A, and is held in the case 70 by the flange portion 66B engaging with the periphery of the lower opening hole 74 from the inside of the case 70, but is not limited to this. For example, as in the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 118 of Modified Example 6 shown in Figures 16 to 17, the connecting portion-side relay portion 120 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and a constricted portion 120A extending in an annular shape with a rectangular cross-section is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the axial central portion of the connecting portion-side relay portion 120. As a result, when the connecting portion-side relay portion 120 is press-fitted into the lower opening hole 74 that penetrates the case body 70A, the outer circumferential edge of the lower opening hole 74 is elastically deformed downward, allowing the insertion of the connecting portion-side relay portion 120 into the lower opening hole 74. When the constricted portion 120A of the connecting portion-side relay portion 120 reaches the lower opening hole 74, the outer peripheral edge of the lower opening hole 74 elastically returns to its original position and fits into the constricted portion 120A. As a result, by simply press-fitting the connecting portion-side relay portion 120 into the lower opening hole 74 that penetrates the case body 70A, the connecting portion-side relay portion 120 can be made to protrude outside the case body 70A and be held in place by the case body 70A, thereby simplifying the structure of the case body 70A and the connecting portion-side relay portion 120. Alternatively, the connecting portion-side relay portion 66 of the terminal connection structure 10 may be held in place by insert molding into the case body 70A. This makes it easier to handle the connecting portion-side relay portion 66, which is a relatively small part. Therefore, it is possible to improve assembly workability, etc.

[0089] <Example 7> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the terminal cover 48 includes an outer peripheral portion 48A that constitutes the outer periphery of the terminal cover 48 and an inner peripheral portion 48B that constitutes the inner periphery of the terminal cover 48, and the outer peripheral portion 48A and the inner peripheral portion 48B demarcate an annular terminal opening window 50 in a plan view, but the shape of the terminal opening window 50 is not limited to this. For example, in the modified example 7 terminal connection structure 122 shown in Figures 18 to 19, the terminal cover 124 is made of insulating synthetic resin and has a flat plate shape, and is formed with a circular terminal opening window 50 in plan view. This terminal opening window 50 is sized to expose the bolt insertion hole 38 of the terminal 32 and its surrounding area. A cylindrical projection 124A is provided on the periphery of the terminal opening window 50, projecting toward the connecting section relay section 66. Since the projection 124A has height and protrudes away from the connecting terminal 28, contact of fingers or other objects with the connecting terminal 28 through the terminal opening window 50 is less likely to occur due to the height of the projection 124A. Therefore, by providing the projection 124A, it becomes possible to omit the inner circumference 48B used in the terminal connection structure 10, thereby reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, in the assembled state of the terminal connection structure 122, the protruding tip of the projection 124A is configured not to come into contact with the bottom wall 72 of the case body 70A. This prevents the axial force caused by bolt fastening from being distributed to the terminal cover 124 via the projection 124A.

[0090] <Differentiation Example 8> Furthermore, in the modified example 8 terminal connection structure 126 shown in Figures 20 to 21, a terminal opening window 130 with a rectangular cross-section is provided on the terminal cover 128, and a slit 130A is provided through the terminal opening window 130, extending diagonally outward from its apex. As a result, the peripheral edge of the terminal opening window 130 is composed of four elastically deformable pieces 128A that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction. When the terminal connection structure 126 is assembled, the four elastically deformable pieces 128A are pressed downward by the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection-side relay portion 66, causing them to be elastically deformed and the terminal opening window 130 to expand, allowing the tip of the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection-side relay portion 66 to be electrically connected to the terminal portion 32. Note that in Figures 20 to 21, the terminal cover 128 before elastic deformation is shown with dashed lines, and the terminal cover 128 after elastic deformation is shown with solid lines. Furthermore, in Figure 21, the housing 14A is shown with dashed lines. Before the assembly of the terminal connection structure 126, the elastic bending piece 128A of the terminal cover 128 is not elastically deformed, and the opening area of ​​the terminal opening window 130 can be reduced. Therefore, with a small number of parts, contact of fingers with the terminal portion 32 is suppressed or prevented.

[0091] <Modification 9> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, a single substantially cylindrical connection-side relay portion 66 was used, but the shape and number of connection-side relay portions are not limited thereto. For example, in the terminal connection structure 132 of Modified Example 9 shown in Figures 22 to 23, two connection-side relay portions 138 with rectangular cross-sections are formed in the second connection-side unit 88 of the busbar 56, protruding at a distance from each other. Two through holes 140 are provided at a distance from each other in the bottom wall 72 of the case body 70A through which the two connection-side relay portions 138 are inserted, and two rectangular terminal opening windows 136 are provided at a distance from each other in the terminal cover 134 through which the two connection-side relay portions 138 are inserted. Note that in Figure 22, for ease of understanding, only the busbar 56 is rotated to show the back side. In this way, multiple connection-side relay sections 138 can be arranged at a distance from each other, thereby improving the freedom of arrangement and material selection for the connection-side relay sections 138. The multiple connection-side relay sections 138 may be provided integrally with the busbar 56 or separately. Furthermore, in the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 10, where the terminal opening window 50 was provided in an annular shape, the inner circumferential portion 48B of the terminal cover 48 that covers the inner circumferential surface of the bolt insertion hole 38 of the connection terminal 28 had to be provided separately from the other parts of the terminal cover 48. In the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 132 of the modified example 9, since the terminal opening windows 136 provided on the terminal cover 134 are two rectangular shapes provided at a distance from each other, the inner circumferential portion 134B that covers the inner circumferential surface of the bolt insertion hole 38 of the connection terminal 28 from above can be provided integrally with the other parts of the terminal cover 134. This improves the handling of the relatively small inner circumferential portion 134B.

[0092] <Variation 10> In the modified example 10 terminal connection structure 142 shown in Figures 24 to 25, five circular cross-section connecting-side relay portions 148 are provided on the second connection-side unit 88 of the busbar 56, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the bolt insertion hole 62. Five through holes 150 are provided at spaced apart from each other in the bottom wall 72 of the case body 70A, through which the five connecting-side relay portions 148 are inserted, and five circular terminal opening windows 146 are provided at spaced apart from each other in the terminal cover 144, through which the five connecting-side relay portions 148 are inserted. Note that in Figure 24, the busbar 56 is rotated to show only the back side for easier understanding. In the terminal connection structure 142, the degree of freedom in the arrangement and material selection of the connecting-side relay portions 148 is improved. Multiple connecting-side relay portions 148 may be provided integrally with the busbar 56 or as separate components. Furthermore, in the terminal cover 144, the inner circumferential portion 144B that covers the inner circumferential surface of the bolt insertion hole 38 of the connecting terminal 28 from above can be integrally provided with the other parts of the terminal cover 144, thereby reducing the number of parts and improving handling.

[0093] <Variation 11> In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, an example is shown in which a first terminal-side unit 24 and a second terminal-side unit 26, which are formed separately, are attached to the first battery module 12A and the second battery module 12B, respectively, to constitute the terminal connection structure 10. However, as shown in the terminal connection structure 152 of Modification 11 of this disclosure in Figure 26, the first terminal-side unit 24 and the second terminal-side unit 26 may be provided to the busbar module 156 which is mounted on the battery module 154. The battery module 154 houses a plurality of rechargeable single cells 16 (five in Figure 26) in a housing (not shown). The busbar module 156 has a grid-like rectangular frame shape, and rectangular flat busbar support protrusions 156B are provided within each rectangular frame 156A that protrude inward from the lower ends facing each other in the front-rear direction. A rectangular flat busbar 156C is placed within each frame 156A and mounted on the battery module 154, after which it is electrically connected to the electrodes 154A of the individual cells 16. This connects multiple individual cells 16 in series. Of the electrodes 154A of the multiple individual cells 16, the upper left electrode 154A has the lowest voltage (e.g., 0V), and the lower right electrode 154A has the highest positive voltage. The upper left electrode 154A is electrically connected to a part designated as an external ground voltage by a component not shown. A first terminal unit 24 is attached to the lower right electrode 154A, for example, as shown in Figure 26. In this way, the first connection unit 86 of the current-carrying component 54 may be connected to the first terminal unit 24 provided on the busbar module 156.

[0094] <Variation 12> In Embodiment 1 and its modifications 1 to 11 described above, the current-carrying component was described as a configuration in which a busbar 56, which is a current-carrying member, is housed in cases 70 and 106, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the terminal connection structure 158 of Modification 12 of the present disclosure shown in Figure 27, the current-carrying component is composed of a wire harness 160 with connection parts at both ends, and the invention is similarly applicable to a terminal connection structure in which two devices, for example, the first terminal side unit 24 of a battery module 154 and the terminal part of an external device (not shown) are electrically connected by the wire harness 160. In the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 158 of the modified example 12 of the present disclosure shown in Figure 27, the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 158 of the present disclosure is used in a terminal-to-terminal connection structure in which a wire harness 160 connects the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal-side unit 24 of the battery module 154, which is a live part, to the terminal portion of an external device (not shown). Specifically, the terminal portion 32 is held in a housed state inside the first terminal-side unit 24, and the terminal portion 32 is covered by an insulating terminal portion cover 48, and a terminal portion opening window 50 is provided by the terminal portion cover 48 to partially expose the terminal portion 32. In addition, the connection portion 60 of the first connection-side unit 86 on one end of the wire harness 160 connected to the first terminal-side unit 24 is covered by an insulating case 70, and a connection-side relay portion 66 provided on the first connection-side unit 86 protrudes to the outside from the case 70. Then, the first connection unit 86 provided at one end of the wire harness 160 is bolted to the first terminal unit 24 of the battery module 154. As a result, the connection relay portion 66 provided on the first connection unit 86 is inserted through the terminal opening window 50 provided on the first terminal unit 24, and the cylindrical portion 66A of the connection relay portion 66 is held in contact with the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal unit 24. This electrically connects the first terminal unit 24 and the connection portion 60 of the first connection unit 86 of the wire harness 160 via the connection relay portion 66. In the modified example 12, the terminal cover 48 can suppress or prevent contact between the first terminal-side unit 24 of the battery module 154, which is a live part, and the terminal 32. Furthermore, since the first connection-side relay section 66 is provided on the first connection-side unit 86 of the wire harness 160 connected to the first terminal-side unit 24 of the battery module 154, electrical connection between the terminal 32 and the connection section 60 can be achieved without any problems.

[0095] <Example 13> In the terminal connection structures shown in Embodiment 1 and its modified examples 1 to 12 above, an example was shown in which the terminal portions 32, 32 of the first and / or second terminal-side units 24, 26 are covered with an insulating terminal cover 48 to prevent electric shock to the terminal portions 32, 32. However, it is also possible to prevent electric shock to the connection portion by covering the connection portions 60, 60 of the energized component with a connection cover. Specifically, for example, in the terminal connection structure 90 (modified example 1) shown in Figure 8, the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal-side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A is connected to the terminal portion of the junction box 92. However, when the connection portion 60 of the second connection-side unit 88 of the energized component 94 is connected to the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal-side unit 24, the connection portion 60 of the first connection-side unit 86 before being connected to the terminal portion of the junction box 92 becomes a live part. Therefore, a modified example 13, which incorporates measures to prevent electric shock to the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 86 of the energized component 94 shown in Figure 8, which is connected to the terminal portion 32 of the junction box 92 that may be a live part, will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 28 to 33. In the terminal connection structure 162 of modified example 13, the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 of the energized component 163 is covered by the bottom wall 72 of the case body 174A of the end case 174 which constitutes a connection portion cover as an insulating cover, thereby providing protection against electric shock to the connection portion 60. More specifically, the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 of the energized component 163 is connected to the terminal portion 187 provided on the first terminal portion side unit 168 of the junction box 92, and the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit (not shown) of the energized component 163 becomes a live part when it is connected to the terminal portion 32 of the battery module 12, etc., as shown in Figure 8. The conductive component 163 includes a busbar 170 that constitutes a conductive member and an end case 174 that covers the connection portions 60, 60 provided on the busbar 170. The end case 174 houses a nut 172 that is coated with an insulating coating 171.

[0096] <Bus Bar 170> The busbar 170, which constitutes the current-carrying member, is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. Connection portions 60, 60 of the same shape are formed at both ends of the busbar 170 in the longitudinal direction, and a substantially elliptical bolt insertion hole 62 is provided through the center with the longitudinal direction as the major axis, and positioning recesses 64 are formed on both sides in the width direction. In the modified example 13 of this disclosure, the insulating case that houses the busbar 170 is composed of an insulating covering 175 that covers the middle portion of the busbar 170 in the longitudinal direction, and an end case 174 that covers the connection portion 60. Therefore, the insulating case that houses the busbar 170 can be provided in a more compact and lower cost compared to the case that covers the entire busbar 170. In addition, the end case 174 only needs to be attached to the ends of the busbar 170, improving workability compared to the case in which the busbar 170 is housed in a long case.

[0097] <End case 174> The insulating end case 174 that houses the connection portion 60 of the busbar 170 includes a case body 174A and a lid 174B, as shown in Figure 30, for example. Both the case body 174A and the lid 174B are made of insulating synthetic resin and are formed separately. The case body 174A and the lid 174B may be integrally formed. Modification 13 describes the case in which the end case 174 is provided on the first connection portion side unit 164, but it is also possible to provide the end case 174 on the second connection portion side unit 88, as described in Modifications 14 and 15 described later.

[0098] The case body 174A has a roughly rectangular box shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and one end in the longitudinal direction (left end in Figure 30) is shallow in accordance with the shape of the bus bar 170 housed inside. Four connection opening windows 176 are formed at circumferentially spaced locations in the longitudinal center of the bottom wall 72 of the case body 174A (see Figure 31), which serve as opening windows for connecting to the bus bar 170 by inserting the cylindrical portion 188A of the terminal-side relay portion 188, described later. Positioning protrusions 76a and 76b are formed on both sides in the width direction of the bottom wall 72 of the case body 174A, projecting inward to engage with the positioning recesses 64 of the bus bar 170. In addition, two positioning ridges 178 are formed on one longitudinal side of the bottom wall 72 (right side in Figure 32), spaced apart in the width direction and extending toward the other longitudinal side (left side in Figure 32). Since gaps c1 and c2 are formed in the longitudinal direction between the positioning recess 64 and positioning protrusions 76a and 76b of the busbar 170, displacement of the case body 174A relative to the busbar 170 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170 is permitted. That is, the displacement end of the case body 174A relative to the busbar 170 in the left direction, which is one side in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170, is defined by the contact of the positioning recess 64 with the positioning protrusion 76 provided on the case body 174A. Also, the displacement end of the case body 174A relative to the busbar 170 in the right direction, which is the other side in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170, is defined by the contact of the end edge of the busbar 170 with the positioning projection 178 provided on the case body 174A. In this way, the case body 174A is assembled so as to be displaceable relative to the busbar 170 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170. Furthermore, the bolt insertion hole 62, which penetrates the connection portion 60 of the busbar 170, has an elongated shape that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170, and displacement allowable gaps c3 and c4 are provided on both sides of the bolt 195 inserted through the bolt insertion hole 62, allowing displacement of the end case 174 in the longitudinal direction relative to the busbar 170. In addition, as shown in Figure 33, the nut 172 is housed in the end case 174 while being held in place. As a result, the nut 172 can be displaced in the longitudinal direction relative to the busbar 170 together with the end case 174.Therefore, by displacing the end case 174 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170 with respect to the bolt 195 and terminal-side relay portion 188 protruding from the first terminal-side unit 168 (described later), and aligning the bolt 195 and terminal-side relay portion 188 with the bolt insertion hole 62 and connection opening window 176, the tolerance of the distance between the first and second terminal-side units 168 and 26 can be advantageously absorbed, and the connection between the terminal portions 187 and 32 can be easily made. In addition, notches 180 that open upward are formed at both ends in the width direction of the longitudinal center of the case body 174A, and an engaging projection 182 that protrudes outward is provided at the lower end of the notch 180.

[0099] The lid 174B, which forms the upper surface of the end case 174, is a rectangular box shape that extends longitudinally and opens downwards, as shown in Figure 30. An upper opening 80 is formed in the longitudinal center of the lid 174B, where a nut 172 and the tip of a bolt 195 fastened to the nut 172 are located. In this modified example, the nut 172 is bag-shaped with a wall portion that covers the tip of the bolt 195, and the surface of the nut 172 is coated with an insulating coating as shown in Figure 33. The insulating coating 171 is formed, for example, by coating with fluororesin or by nylon powder processing. Furthermore, engaging frames 184 extending downwards are formed at both ends in the width direction of the longitudinal center of the lid 174B, and by engaging with engaging projections 182 of the case body 174A, the lid 174B is fixed to the case body 174A in an assembled state.

[0100] <First terminal side unit 168> As shown in Figure 30, the first terminal unit 168 includes a bolt 195, a holder 186 for holding the head of the bolt 195, a terminal section 187 connected to the downstream circuit and a terminal section-side relay section 188 acting as a relay section, and an insulating cover 190 covering the terminal section 187 and the terminal section-side relay section 188. The terminal section 187 is made of a plate-shaped metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy, and has an L-shaped bend in the middle of its width direction, with a bolt insertion hole 38 provided through it.

[0101] <Terminal side relay section 188> As shown in Figure 30, the terminal-side relay portion 188 is composed of an annular metal member, and is made of a metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or iron. The terminal-side relay portion 188 comprises a substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 188A and a flange portion 188B that protrudes in a flange-like manner from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 188A outward. The inside of the terminal-side relay portion 188 is a bolt insertion hole 68 through which the threaded portion of the bolt 195 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 188A is divided into four circumferentially by slits formed in the axial direction. The flange portion 188B protrudes in a stepped manner of a constant dimension along the entire circumference of the outer wall of the terminal-side relay portion 188 on the axial side below the bolt insertion hole 68. The flange portion 188B then abuts against the peripheral edge of the through hole of the insulating cover 190, which will be described later, thereby preventing the terminal-side relay portion 188 from detaching from the insulating cover 190.

[0102] The shape of the terminal-side relay portion 188 is not limited to the example shown, and any shape can be adopted. For example, the terminal-side relay portion 188 and the connection terminal 28 may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the terminal-side relay portion 188 may be held by the insulating cover 190 by being press-fitted into a through-hole provided in the insulating cover 190. Furthermore, multiple terminal-side relay portions 188 may be formed on the connection terminal 28, protruding from each other at a distance.

[0103] <Insulating cover 190> As shown in Figure 30, the insulating cover 190 has a generally rectangular box shape, and a through hole is formed in the center of the upper surface of the insulating cover 190. The peripheral edge of the through hole protrudes upward and then extends inward to form a cylindrical section 192 with an opening window 194 in the center. The flange portion 188B of the terminal-side relay portion 188 is housed and stably held within the cylindrical section 192, and the cylindrical section 188A is inserted through the opening window 194 of the cylindrical section 192 and exposed upward. A fixing bolt 195 is positioned below the terminal-side relay portion 188, and the threaded portion of the bolt 195 is inserted through the inner hole of the terminal-side relay portion 188 and protrudes upward. In addition, engaging projections 196 protrude outward from the lower ends of the outer walls on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the insulating cover 190, and engage with the engaged portion 198 of the holder 186 to hold the first terminal-side unit 168 in an assembled state. The holder 186 has a roughly strip-shaped flat plate form that extends in the longitudinal direction, and a receiving recess 200 for holding the head of the bolt 84 is formed in the central part with an upward opening, and fixing parts 202 for fixing the holder 186 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] <Assembly of the terminal connection structure 162 in the modified example 13 of this disclosure> First, the connection portion 60 of the busbar 170 is housed within the case body 174A, and the positioning projection 76 of the case body 174A is positioned in the positioning recess 64 of the busbar 170, so that the longitudinal end of the busbar 170 is positioned in front of the positioning projection 178 of the case body 174A. Next, with the screw hole of the nut 172 aligned with the center of the bolt insertion hole 62 of the busbar 170, the case body 174A is covered with the lid 174B, thereby holding the nut 172 in a stable position within the upper opening 80 of the lid 174B. This completes the first connection portion side unit 164 of the power supply component 163. Next, the holder 186 is prepared, and the head of the bolt 195 is held in the housing recess 200 of the holder 186. The bolt insertion hole 38 of the terminal portion 187 is inserted through the threaded portion of the bolt 195, and the terminal portion 187 is placed on top of the head of the bolt 195. Subsequently, the bolt insertion hole 68 of the terminal portion side relay portion 188 is aligned with the bolt insertion hole 38 and positioned, and the insulating cover 190 is placed over it, so that these components are stably housed between the insulating cover 190 and the holder 186. This completes the first terminal portion side unit 168. Finally, by assembling the first connection portion side unit 164 to the first terminal portion side unit 168, the connection portion 60 of the conductive component 163 and the terminal portion 187 are electrically connected via the terminal portion side relay portion 188, and one connection of the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 162 is completed. The other connection is the same as in Embodiment 1 and its modifications 1 to 12 described above, so it is omitted. As a result, the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164, which is the other of the two connection portions, is covered by the bottom wall of the case body 174A of the end case 174, which is an insulating connection portion cover, and the connection portion 60 is partially exposed through the connection portion opening window 176 provided in the bottom wall. The first terminal portion side unit 168, which has a terminal portion 187 that is fastened to the connection portion 60 covered by the bottom wall of the case body 174A, is provided with a terminal portion side relay portion 188 connected to the terminal portion 187, and the terminal portion side relay portion 188 is connected to the connection portion 60 by being inserted through the connection portion opening window 176.

[0105] Next, the effects of this modified example 13 will be explained. In this modified example 13, it is assumed that the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit (not shown) of the energized component 163 is connected to the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A shown in Figure 8. However, since the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A, which is a live part, is covered by the terminal portion cover 48 as shown in Embodiment 1, contact with the terminal portion 32 by workers, etc. can be suppressed, and the required electric shock prevention measures can be met. The connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 of the energized component 163 becomes a live part after the connection portion 60 of the second connection portion side unit (not shown) is fastened to the terminal portion 32 of the first terminal portion side unit 24 of the first battery module 12A. In this modified example, since the connection portion 60 of the first connection portion side unit 164 is covered by a connection portion cover formed by the bottom wall of the case body 174A, contact with the connection portion 60, which is a live part, by workers, etc. can be suppressed. This makes it possible to fasten the two terminals 187 and 32 with the conductive component 163 under better protection against electric shock.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first connection-side unit 164 of the energizing component 163, a fastening nut 172 is housed within the end case 174. In the first terminal-side unit 168, both the fastening bolt 195 and the terminal-side relay portion 188 are housed below the opening window 194 of the insulating cover 190. This allows the first terminal-side unit 168 and the first connection-side unit 164 to be unitized, including the fastening components, thereby advantageously improving the handling and workability of the components. In particular, the end case 174 is assembled so as to be displaceable relative to the busbar 170 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170, and the bolt insertion hole 62 that penetrates the connection portion 60 of the busbar 170 is provided with displacement-allowable gaps c3, c4 that allow for longitudinal displacement of the end case 174 and the nut 172 housed inside it relative to the busbar 170. Therefore, when fastening the connection portion 60 and terminal portion 187 using a bolt 195 and a nut 172, the tolerance of the separation distance between the two terminal portions 32 and 187 can be easily absorbed by the displacement of the end case 174 relative to the busbar 170. Furthermore, since the nut 172 located in the upper opening 80 of the end case 174 is insulated, measures to prevent electric shock on the upper side of the end case 174 are also achieved. In addition, the terminal portion 187 is covered with an insulating cover 190, and the tip of the bolt 195 and the tip of the terminal portion side relay portion 188 protrude through the opening window 194 of the insulating cover 190, but measures to prevent electric shock are taken by providing it in a location that does not become a live part, such as the terminal portion of an electrical connection box connected to the battery module 12.

[0107] <Example 14> Next, a modified example 14 of the terminal connection structure of this disclosure, as shown in Embodiment 1 and its modified examples 1 to 13 above, is described with reference to Figures 34 to 39, in which a connection blocking portion 210, described later, is provided on the case of the current-carrying component to prevent connection with the terminal portion. In the following description, an example is shown in which the connection blocking portion 210 is provided on one connection portion side of the current-carrying component, but a similar connection blocking portion 210 may also be provided on the other connection portion side of the current-carrying component. That is, in the terminal connection structure 204 of modified example 14, the connection blocking portion 210 is provided on the connection portion side unit 208 which has a connection portion 60, which is one connection portion of the current-carrying component 206. In the current-carrying component 206 of modified example 14, similar to modified example 13, the case of the current-carrying component 206 is composed of an insulating coating 175 that covers the longitudinal middle portion of the busbar 170 that constitutes the current-carrying member, and an end case 174 that covers the connection portion 60 provided at one end of the busbar 170. Furthermore, the terminal-side unit 212 to which the connection-side unit 208 of the conductive component 206 is assembled has a structure similar to the first terminal-side unit 168 shown in modified example 13. Therefore, detailed explanations of structures similar to those in Embodiment 1 and its modified examples 1 to 13 are omitted in the drawings by using the same reference numerals.

[0108] <Connection side unit 208> Similar to Modification 13, the end case 174 housing the connection portion 60 of the conductive component 206 is displaceable relative to the busbar 170 in the longitudinal direction of the busbar 170. However, Modification 14 differs in that a bolt 214 and a connection portion-side relay portion 216, which serves as a relay portion, are housed and held inside the end case 174. The bolt 214 and the connection portion-side relay portion 216 are displaceable relative to the busbar 170 in the longitudinal direction together with the end case 174. A bottom opening hole 74 is provided in the bottom wall of the case body 174A, penetrating in the thickness direction. The connection portion-side relay portion 216 is made of an annular metal member and comprises a substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 216A and a flange portion 216B that protrudes flange-like from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 216A outward. The inside of the connection portion-side relay portion 216 is a bolt insertion hole 218 through which the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 216A is divided into four circumferential sections by slits formed in the axial direction. As a result, the tip of the connecting portion-side relay portion 216 housed and held in the end case 174 and the tip of the bolt 214 protrude to the outside through the lower opening hole 74 and the bolt insertion hole 218, respectively. The insulated head of the bolt 214 is exposed through the upper opening 80 provided in the lid 174B of the end case 174, and a bolt fastening tool can be connected to the head of the bolt 214.

[0109] As shown in Figures 36 and 38, the case body 174A of the end case 174 has a peripheral wall portion 220 that protrudes downward beyond the tip of the bolt 214 from the bottom wall through which the bottom opening hole 74 is provided. A flat plate-shaped connection blocking portion 210 is pivotally supported on the protruding end of one side wall 220a (left side in Figure 38) of the pair of side walls 220a and 220b that constitute the peripheral wall portion 220, so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis 222. The connection blocking portion 210 is rotatable between an allowable position that allows connection between the connection-side unit 208 and the terminal-side unit 212 as shown in Figure 36, and a blocking position that prevents connection between the connection-side unit 208 and the terminal-side unit 212 as shown in Figure 37. In the permissible position shown in Figure 36, the connection blocking portion 210 extends further downward from the protruding end of the side wall 220a, and the tip of the cylindrical portion 216A of the connection-side relay portion 216 and the tip of the bolt 214, which protrude from the lower opening hole 74 of the bottom wall of the case body 174A, are exposed through the lower opening 224 of the end case 174, which is partitioned by the protruding end of the peripheral wall portion 220. In the blocking position shown in Figure 37, the connection blocking portion 210 covers the lower opening 224 of the end case 174, and covers the tip of the cylindrical portion 216A of the connection-side relay portion 216 and the tip of the bolt 214, which protrude from the lower opening hole 74 of the bottom wall of the case body 174A. The connection blocking portion 210 is biased to the blocking position shown in Figure 37 by a spring member 226, and by rotating and displacing the connection blocking portion 210 toward the allowable position shown in Figure 36 against the biasing force of the spring member 226, the connection blocking portion 210 can be displaced to an allowable position that allows connection between the connection portion side unit 208 and the terminal portion side unit 212. The end edge of the connection blocking portion 210, separated from the side wall 220a, is provided with fitting portions 228, 228 that fit into the fitting portions 252, 252, which will be described later, provided on the connection portion side unit 208.

[0110] <Terminal side unit 212> The terminal unit 212 comprises a terminal section 232 composed of a nut 230 and an L-shaped bent metal plate, and a holder 186 that holds them together. An insulating cover 190 covering the nut 230 and the terminal section 232 positioned on the nut 230 is assembled to the holder 186, and the nut 230 and the terminal section 232 are stably housed between the insulating cover 190 and the holder 186. The upper surface of the insulating cover 190 constitutes a terminal section cover as an insulating cover that covers the terminal section 232, and in the central part of the insulating cover 190, there are four terminal section opening windows 234 formed at circumferentially spaced locations, which are provided as opening windows for the cylindrical portion 216A of the connecting section relay portion 216 to be inserted and connected to the terminal section 232 (see Figure 35). Furthermore, an inner circumferential cylindrical portion 238 with a bolt insertion hole 236 is formed protruding from the inner circumferential side of the terminal section opening window 234. A trough-shaped housing portion 242 for housing and holding the connection blocking portion 210 is provided projecting downward from the side wall 240 of the insulating cover 190. As shown in Figure 38, a gap 248 capable of housing the connection blocking portion 210 is provided opening upward between the opposing surfaces of the inner wall portion 244 and the outer wall portion 246 that constitute the housing portion 242. A guide surface 250 is provided at the upper end of the inner wall portion 244 to abut against the fitting portion 228 of the connection blocking portion 210 and guide the connection blocking portion 210 into the gap 248. A concave fitting portion 252 opening toward the gap is provided on the lower side of the inner wall portion 244, into which the fitting portion 228 of the connection blocking portion 210 is fitted.

[0111] <Assembly of the terminal connection structure 204 in the modified example 14 of this disclosure> First, the connecting section 216 is housed inside the case body 174A, and the tip of the connecting section 216 is inserted through the annular bottom opening hole 74, causing it to protrude from the bottom wall of the case body 174A. Next, the bolt insertion hole 62 of the connecting section 60 of the busbar 170 is aligned with the bolt insertion hole 218 of the connecting section 216, and the connecting section 216 is placed on top of the connecting section 216. Then, the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 is inserted through the bolt insertion holes 62 and 218, and the head of the bolt 214 is placed on the connecting section 60 of the busbar 170. In this state, the case body 174A is covered with the lid 174B, stably holding the connecting section 60, the connecting section 216, and the bolt 214 inside the end case 174. This completes the connecting section unit 208 of the power supply component 206. At this time, the connection blocking portion 210 is positioned in the blocking position shown in Figure 37 due to the biasing force of the spring member 226. Next, the holder 186 is prepared, the nut 230 is held in the housing recess 200 of the holder 186, and the terminal portion 232 is placed on the upper surface of the nut 230, aligning the bolt insertion hole 254 of the nut 230 with the bolt insertion hole 256 of the terminal portion 232. After that, when the insulating cover 190 is attached to the holder 186 from above, the bolt insertion hole 236 of the inner circumferential cylindrical portion 238 provided on the upper surface of the insulating cover 190 is aligned with the bolt insertion hole 254 of the nut 230 and the bolt insertion hole 256 of the terminal portion 232. In this state, the nut 230 and the terminal portion 232 are stably held between the holder 186 and the insulating cover 190. This completes the terminal portion side unit 212.

[0112] Finally, the connection unit 208 is assembled to the terminal unit 212. To do this, first, the connection blocking portion 210 of the connection unit 208 is displaced to the allowable position against the biasing force of the spring member 226, as shown in Figure 38. Next, the connection blocking portion 210 is inserted from above into the gap 248 of the housing portion 242 provided in the insulating cover 190. At this time, the fitting portion 228 provided on the connection blocking portion 210 comes into contact with the guide surface 250 provided on the inner wall portion 244 of the housing portion 242, thereby smoothly guiding the connection blocking portion 210 into the gap 248 of the housing portion 242. Simultaneously, the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 of the connection portion side unit 208 is pre-aligned with the respective bolt insertion holes 236, 254, and 256 on the terminal portion side unit 212, and the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 is smoothly inserted into the respective bolt insertion holes 236, 254, and 256. Subsequently, by screwing the bolt 214 into the nut 230 using a tool (not shown), the connection blocking portion 210 is further pushed into the gap 248 of the housing portion 242, and as shown in Figure 39, the fitting portion 228 of the connection blocking portion 210 is fitted into the fitted portion 252 provided on the housing portion 242 of the terminal portion side unit 212. In modified example 14, the mating portion 228 and the mated portion 252 are mated at the correct mating position of the connection portion 60 and terminal portion 232 of the conductive component 206. Therefore, by detecting the mating of the mating portion 228 and the mated portion 252, the operator can easily confirm that the connection portion 60 and terminal portion 232 of the conductive component 206 are correctly mated. As a result, the connection portion 60 and terminal portion 232 of the conductive component 206 are electrically connected via the connection portion side relay portion 216, and one of the connections of the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 204 is completed.

[0113] Next, the effects of this modified example 14 will be explained. According to this modified example 14, a connection blocking portion 210 is provided on the end case 174 that constitutes the case of the energized component 206 and is biased to the blocking position shown in Figure 37, and the bolt 214 and the connection-side relay portion 216 are covered by the connection blocking portion 210. Therefore, even if the connection-side unit 208 of the energized component 206 falls onto the terminal-side unit 212 due to a misoperation during the connection work between the terminal portions, the connection portion 60 is reliably prevented from being mistakenly connected to the terminal portion 232. As a result, the problem of the other connection portion of the energized component 206 unintentionally becoming a live part can be prevented. Moreover, the connection blocking portion 210 is displaceable to an allowable position that allows connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, and when actually connecting the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, the connection blocking portion 210 is displaced to the allowable position shown in Figures 36 and 38. Therefore, it is possible to draw attention to the worker when performing the connection work between the connection part 60 and the terminal part 232, and to reliably prevent the other connection part of the conductive component 206 from unintentionally becoming a live part.

[0114] In addition, according to this modified example 14, the fitting portion 228 provided on the connection blocking portion 210 of the connection portion side unit 208 fits into the fitted portion 252 provided on the housing portion 242 of the terminal portion side unit 212, thereby also serving as the fixing structure for the connection portion side unit 208 and the terminal portion side unit 212. Therefore, excellent connection stability between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 can be ensured with a small number of parts.

[0115] <Variation 15> Next, Figures 40A and 40B show a terminal-to-terminal connection structure 259 as a modified example 15 of the present disclosure, which includes a connection blocking portion 258, another embodiment of the connection blocking portion shown in the modified example 14 described above. For structures similar to those in modified example 14, the same reference numerals as in modified example 14 are used in the drawings, and their explanation is omitted. The connection blocking portion 258 of modified example 15 includes a pair of elastic locking pieces 260, 260 that protrude from the outer surfaces of the side walls 220a, 220b of the case body 174A of the end case 174. A pair of locking frames 262, 262 are formed protruding from the outer surfaces of the side walls 240a, 240b of the insulating cover 190. The elastic locking piece 260 extends vertically along the side walls 220a and 220b for a predetermined length, and has a fitting portion 264 at its lower end that protrudes toward the side walls 220a and 220b, and a pressing portion 266 at its upper end that protrudes away from the side walls 220a and 220b. The elastic locking pieces 260 are connected to the side walls 220a and 220b via a connecting portion 268 at a position closer to the lower end. Therefore, in the initial state where no load is applied, the fitting portion 264 is close to the side walls 220a and 220b, and the pressing portion 266 is separated from the side walls 220a and 220b. The locking frame 262 is provided with a hole-shaped fitting portion 270 into which the fitting portion 264 fits.

[0116] In the blocking position of the elastic locking piece 260 that constitutes the connection blocking portion 258 shown in Figure 40A, the fitting portion 264 of the elastic locking piece 260 abuts against the upper end surface of the lock frame 262, preventing the connection-side unit 208 from approaching the terminal-side unit 212. In this state, the threaded portion 214A of the bolt 214 has not reached the terminal portion 232, and the connection-side relay portion 216 is separated from the terminal opening window 234. Therefore, the connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 is reliably blocked. Next, when connecting the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, the worker presses the pressing portion 266 of the elastic locking piece 260 to displace the fitting portion 264 to an allowable position where it can move downward over the upper end surface of the lock frame 262. In this state, by screwing the bolt 214 onto the nut 230 with a tool (not shown), the fitting portion 264 moves further downward, and as shown in Figure 40B, the fitting portion 264 of the elastic lock piece 260 is fitted into the fitted portion 270 provided on the lock frame 262 of the terminal unit 212, and it can be detected that the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 are properly connected. Thus, in the modified example 15 as well, since the elastic lock piece 260 constituting the connection blocking portion 258 can be displaced by the operator from a blocking position that blocks the connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232 to a permitting position that allows the connection between the connection portion 60 and the terminal portion 232, the same effects as in the modified example 14 can be achieved.

[0117] <Variation 16> Hereinafter, Modification 16 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 41 to 50. In Embodiment 1 and Modifications 1 to 15 described above, an insulating cover (terminal cover) is provided on at least one terminal portion, and a relay portion (connection portion side relay portion) is provided on the connection portion fastened to this terminal portion. However, in the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 280 of Modification 16, insulating covers are not provided on either terminal portion. That is, in the terminal-to-terminal connection structure 280 of Modification 16, a connection cover 284 as an insulating cover is provided on one connection portion (first connection portion 282), and a terminal portion side relay portion 288 as a relay portion is provided on one terminal portion (first terminal portion 286) fastened to the first connection portion 282.

[0118] Specifically, the terminal connection structure 280 of the modified example 16 is a structure that electrically connects the terminal portion (first terminal portion 286) of the junction box 290 and the terminal portion (second terminal portion 294) of the battery module 292 via a conductive component 296, as shown in Figure 41. The conductive component 296 is equipped with a busbar 298 as a conductive member, and the longitudinal ends of the busbar 298 are first and second connection portions 282 and 300 that are fastened to the first and second terminal portions 286 and 294. The structure of the fastening portion between the first connection portion 282 and the first terminal portion 286 is shown in Figures 42 and 43, and the structure of the fastening portion between the second connection portion 300 and the second terminal portion 294 is shown in Figures 44 and 45.

[0119] As is clear from Figures 42-45, measures to prevent electric shock are taken at the fastening portion between the first connection portion 282 and the first terminal portion 286 (the connection portion between one end of the energized component 296 and the junction box 290). In addition, the fastening portion between the second connection portion 300 and the second terminal portion 294 (the connection portion between the other end of the energized component 296 and the battery module 292) is fastened with a bolt 302. Note that the battery module 292 in the modified example 16 has the same structure as the first or second battery modules 12A and 12B in the embodiment 1, and substantially identical members and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as the first or second battery modules 12A and 12B in the figure, thus omitting detailed explanations.

[0120] The battery module 292 comprises a housing 14, which houses multiple single cells 16 connected in series. The frontmost single cell 16 has a connection terminal 28 fastened to it, and this connection terminal 28 has a second terminal portion 294 that serves as a terminal. The housing 14 of the battery module 292 is also provided with a nut holding portion 304, either integrally or separately, and a nut 306 is positioned on the nut holding portion 304.

[0121] The fastening portion between the first connection portion 282 and the first terminal portion 286 (the connection portion between one end of the energized component 296 and the junction box 290) is provided with an electric shock prevention structure similar to that of the modified example 13. Specifically, one end of the energized component 296 is provided with a first connection portion side unit 308 including the first connection portion 282, and the junction box 290 is provided with a first terminal portion side unit 310 including the first terminal portion 286. The first connection portion side unit 308 is shown in Figures 46 to 48, and the first terminal portion side unit 310 is shown in Figures 49 and 50.

[0122] <First connection side unit 308> The first connection unit 308 includes an insulating end case 312 that houses the first connection 282, which is one end of the busbar 298. That is, the insulating case that houses the busbar 298 is composed of an insulating covering 314 that covers the middle portion of the busbar 298 in the longitudinal direction, and an end case 312 that houses the first connection 282, which is one end in the longitudinal direction. The end case 312 also includes a case body 316 and a cover 318.

[0123] The case body 316 comprises a bottom wall 72 that covers the lower part of the first connection portion 282, and a peripheral wall 320 that protrudes upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 72. The peripheral wall 320 covers three sides of the outside of the first connection portion 282, and is provided at the rear (right side in Figure 48) and on both sides in the left-right direction. In addition, the peripheral wall 320 is provided with a plurality of outwardly protruding engaging protrusions 182 on both sides in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 320 is provided with irregularities on both sides in the left-right direction, which facilitates positioning when assembling the first connection portion side unit 308 and the first terminal portion side unit 310, which will be described later.

[0124] Furthermore, a circular bottom opening hole 74 is provided in the bottom wall 72 at a position corresponding to the bolt insertion hole 62 provided in the first connection portion 282. The inner diameter of this bottom opening hole 74 is larger than the inner diameter of the bolt insertion hole 62 in the first connection portion 282, so that when the end case 312 is assembled to the first connection portion 282, the bottom surface of the first connection portion 282 (bus bar 298) is exposed through the bottom opening hole 74. The bottom wall 72 is provided with positioning protrusions such as the positioning projection 76 shown in Figure 5 of Embodiment 1 and the positioning protrusions 76a and 76b shown in Figure 32 of Modification 13. In addition, positioning recesses corresponding to the positioning protrusions provided on the bottom wall 72 are provided at both the left and right ends of the first connection portion 282. The engagement of these positioning protrusions and positioning recesses limits the relative displacement between the first connection portion 282 and the end case 312 to some extent when the first connection portion 282 and the end case 312 are assembled.

[0125] Furthermore, the lid 318 is equipped with a flat upper bottom wall 322. On the upper bottom wall 322, a cylindrical portion 324 extending in the vertical direction is provided at a position corresponding to the bolt insertion hole 62 of the first connecting portion 282 and the lower surface opening hole 74 of the bottom wall 72, and it penetrates in the vertical direction. The upper opening of this cylindrical portion 324 forms an upper surface opening 80 that opens to the upper surface of the end case 312. In addition, on the upper bottom wall 322, a pressing projection 326 projecting downward is provided at a position away from the cylindrical portion 324, and when the first connecting portion 282 and the end case 312 are assembled, the pressing projection 326 prevents the first connecting portion 282 from being displaced upward relative to the bottom wall 72. On the outer peripheral edge of the lid 318, an engaging frame 184 projecting downward from the upper bottom wall 322 is provided at a position corresponding to the engaging projection 182 of the case body 316.

[0126] Furthermore, the first connection unit 308 includes an inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 and a nut 330. The inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 is cylindrical in shape overall, made of synthetic resin, and has insulating properties. This inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 62 of the first connection unit 282 and assembled. Specifically, the outer diameter of the upper end of the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 is larger than that of other parts, and the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 is inserted from above the bolt insertion hole 62, and the upper end of the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 abuts against the opening edge above the bolt insertion hole 62, thereby preventing the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 from falling downward from the first connection unit 282. The inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 may or may not be fixed to the first connection unit 282 with an adhesive or the like.

[0127] As the inner circumferential cylindrical portion 328 is assembled to the first connecting portion 282, the lower end of the inner circumferential cylindrical portion 328 protrudes outward (downward) from the end case 312 through the lower surface opening hole 74. Therefore, in the modified example 16, the connecting portion cover 284 that covers the first connecting portion 282 is composed of the bottom wall 72 of the case body 316 and the inner circumferential cylindrical portion 328. Furthermore, the lower surface opening hole 74 of the bottom wall 72 and the inner circumferential cylindrical portion 328 form a connecting portion opening window 332 as an annular opening window. As a result, the lower surface of the first connecting portion 282 is exposed in an annular shape through the connecting portion opening window 332, but the inner circumferential cylindrical portion 328 protrudes outward (downward) from the end case 312, which prevents the worker from coming into contact with the first connecting portion 282.

[0128] Furthermore, the nut 330 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the cylindrical portion 324 of the lid 318. Specifically, an insulating coating 334 is fixed to the nut 330 from above. The lower end of the insulating coating 334 has a larger outer diameter, and by being inserted into the portion with a larger inner diameter at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 324, the nut 330 and the insulating coating 334 are prevented from being pulled out upward. The nut 330 and the insulating coating 334 are exposed to the outside through the upper opening 80 provided in the lid 318, and the nut 330 can be tightened from the outside using a jig or the like.

[0129] <First terminal side unit 310> The junction box 290 comprises an upper case 336 and a lower case (not shown), with a first terminal-side unit 310 provided on the upper bottom wall 338 of the upper case 336. The first terminal-side unit 310 comprises a first terminal section 286, a terminal-side relay section 288, an insulating cover 340, and a bolt 342.

[0130] The insulating cover 340 comprises a flat bottom wall 344 and a peripheral wall 346 that protrudes upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 344. The peripheral wall 346 is provided on three sides of the bottom wall 344: the rear and both sides. In short, the peripheral wall 346 is open to the front. Furthermore, the inner surfaces of the peripheral wall 346 on both sides in the left-right direction are provided with irregularities corresponding to the outer surfaces on both sides in the left-right direction of the end case 312 of the first connection unit 308. In addition, a through hole 348 that penetrates vertically is formed in the approximate center of the bottom wall 344. Furthermore, protrusions (not shown) that protrude outward are provided on both sides in the left-right direction at the lower end of the peripheral wall 346, and recesses (not shown) are provided on the upper bottom wall 338 of the upper case 336. The insulating cover 340 is fixed to the upper bottom wall 338 of the upper case 336 by the interlocking of these irregularities. Furthermore, the method of fixing the insulating cover 340 to the upper bottom wall 338 is not limited to interlocking grooves.

[0131] Furthermore, an electrical circuit (not shown) is housed inside the junction box 290, and a busbar 350, electrically connected to this electrical circuit, is fixed inside the junction box 290 by fixing means (not shown). The end of this busbar 350 is a first terminal portion 286, and a bolt insertion hole 38 that penetrates through in the vertical direction is formed in the first terminal portion 286. This first terminal portion 286 is located below the bottom wall 344 of the insulating cover 340, and the through hole 348 provided in the bottom wall 344 and the bolt insertion hole 38 provided in the first terminal portion 286 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0132] A terminal-side relay portion 288 is provided between the bottom wall 344 of the insulating cover 340 and the busbar 350 (first terminal portion 286). Specifically, the terminal-side relay portion 288 is an annular member as a whole and is made of metal. The terminal-side relay portion 288 is composed of an upper cylindrical portion 352 and a lower flange portion 354, with the annular flange portion 354 protruding outward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 352. The cylindrical portion 352 of the terminal-side relay portion 288 is inserted through a through hole 348 in the bottom wall 344, and the flange portion 354 is sandwiched between the bottom wall 344 and the busbar 350 in the vertical direction. As a result, the terminal-side relay portion 288 and the first terminal portion 286 are in contact with each other.

[0133] A bolt insertion hole 68 that penetrates vertically through the center of the terminal-side relay section 288 is aligned with the bolt insertion hole 38 of the first terminal section 286, and a bolt 342 is inserted from below into both bolt insertion holes 68 and 38 and protrudes upward. The bolt 342 may be fixed to the bus bar 350 with adhesive or the like, or it may be fixed to the bus bar 350 or junction box 290, etc. by fixing means not shown. The outer diameter of the bolt 342 is larger than the inner diameter of the bolt insertion hole 68 of the terminal-side relay section 288, and an annular space with a predetermined radial width is formed between the terminal-side relay section 288 and the bolt 342. In modified example 16, the upper end of the bolt 342 does not protrude above the insulating cover 340, reducing the risk of unintended contact with the bolt 342 or damage to the bolt 342.

[0134] <Assembly of the terminal connection structure 280 in the modified example 16 of this disclosure> The following describes a specific example of the assembly process for the terminal connection structure 280, that is, the process of connecting the junction box 290 and the battery module 292 with the conductive component 296. However, the assembly process for the terminal connection structure 280 is not limited to the description below.

[0135] First, prepare the busbar 298 with insulating coating 314, the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328, the nut 330 with insulating coating 334, the case body 316, and the lid 318. Then, insert the first connecting portion 282, which is one end of the busbar 298, into the case body 316 from above, and engage the positioning projection (76) provided on the bottom wall 72 with the positioning recess (64) provided on the first connecting portion 282. After that, insert the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 through the bolt insertion hole 62 of the first connecting portion 282. Subsequently, place the nut 330 with insulating coating 334 on top of the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 (first connecting portion 282) so that the inner hole of the inner circumferential cylinder portion 328 and the inner hole of the nut 330 are in communication. From this state, the lid 318 is placed over the case body 316 from above, engaging the engaging projection 182 with the engaging frame 184. This completes the assembly of the end case 312 to the first connection part 282, and the first connection part side unit 308 is completed.

[0136] Furthermore, with the electrical circuit (not shown) and busbar 350 fixed to the upper case 336, the terminal-side relay section 288 is placed above the first terminal section 286, aligning the bolt insertion holes 38 and 68. Then, the insulating cover 340 is placed over the terminal-side relay section 288 from above and fixed to the upper case 336. Finally, the bolts 342 are inserted from below the first terminal section 286 and fixed in place, and the lower case (not shown) is assembled to the upper case 336, thereby completing the junction box 290 equipped with the first terminal-side unit 310.

[0137] Next, the battery module 292 is prepared, and the second terminal portion 294 and the second connection portion 300, which is the other end of the busbar 298, are aligned, and the bolt insertion holes 38 and 62 are aligned. Then, the bolts 302 are inserted through these bolt insertion holes 38 and 62 and fastened with nuts 306. This fastens the second terminal portion 294 and the second connection portion 300, that is, electrically connects the battery module 292 and the conductive component 296.

[0138] Next, the end case 312 of the first connection unit 308 is inserted into the insulating cover 340 of the first terminal unit 310, and the bolt 342 of the first terminal unit 310 is brought into contact with the opening of the nut 330 through the inner cylindrical portion 328 of the first connection unit 308. Then, the bolt 342 is fastened to the nut 330 by tightening the nut 330 from the outside using a jig (not shown) through the upper opening 80 of the end case 312. As a result, as shown in Figure 43, the cylindrical portion 352 of the terminal-side relay portion 288 is inserted through the connection opening window 332 provided on the lower surface of the end case 312 and brought into contact with the first connection portion 282 to connect them. That is, by fastening the first terminal portion 286 and the first connection portion 282, the junction box 290 and the energized component 296 are electrically connected. As a result, the junction box 290 and the battery module 292 are electrically connected by the conductive component 296, completing the terminal connection structure 280.

[0139] In the terminal connection structure 280 of the modified example 16, when the battery module 292 and the other end of the conductive component 296 are bolted together, the first connection portion 282, which is one end of the conductive component 296, becomes a live part. Here, the first connection portion 282 is provided with a connection portion cover 284, reducing the risk of an unintentional contact of the first connection portion 282 by a worker. The connection portion cover 284 is also provided with a connection portion opening window 332, partially exposing the first connection portion 282. When the first connection portion 282 and the first terminal portion 286 are fastened together, the terminal portion side relay portion 288 that contacts the first terminal portion 286 contacts the first connection portion 282 through the connection portion opening window 332, thereby ensuring an electrical connection between the first connection portion 282 and the first terminal portion 286.

[0140] Therefore, in the terminal connection structure of this disclosure, two fastening parts are provided by two connection parts and two terminal parts, but the electric shock prevention structure according to this disclosure only needs to be provided in at least one fastening part, and there may be fastening parts for which no electric shock prevention is provided. That is, the insulating cover only needs to be provided in any one of the four parts, the two connection parts and the two terminal parts, and the relay part only needs to be provided in the terminal part or connection part that is fastened to the connection part or terminal part for which the insulating cover is provided.

[0141] <Other> (1) In the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, a bolt 84 and a nut 44 were used as fastening members, but it is also possible to use only a bolt and screw in the threaded portion, or any known fastening member can be used. (2) In addition, although the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is provided with a pair of crank-shaped bent portions 58, 58, there may be only one crank-shaped bent portion 58, as in the terminal connection structures 90, 100 of Modified Examples 1, 2 shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, any number of crank-shaped bent portions 58 can be provided, bent in the same thickness direction or in opposite thickness directions. This makes it possible to accommodate terminal connection structures of various shapes. (3) Furthermore, in the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the guide wall 78 was formed to protrude with approximately the same dimensions as the tip of the threaded portion 84A of the bolt 84, but dimensions can also be adopted according to the shape of the battery module side, etc. (4) In addition, in the terminal connection structure 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the connection-side relay portion 66 has a cylindrical tubular portion 66A protruding from the flange portion 66B, and the terminal opening window 50 has an annular shape corresponding to the tubular portion 66A, but is not limited thereto. For example, a single connection-side relay portion 66 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions, and a plurality of terminal opening windows through which each protrusion is inserted may be formed. Specifically, in the connection-side relay portion 66, the protruding end of the tubular portion 66A protruding from the flange portion 66B may be divided into a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions in the circumferential direction by a slit, and the terminal opening window 50 may be shaped to correspond to each arc-shaped protrusion. Furthermore, the planar shape of the flange portion 66B is not limited to an annular shape, and any shape can be adopted, and the shape of one or more protrusions protruding from the flange portion 66B or the terminal opening window through which the protrusions are inserted can also be any shape, such as a rectangular shape. (5) The connection opening window 176 provided in the end case 174 that constitutes the connection cover is preferably sized to allow the insertion of the terminal-side relay portion 188 while preventing the insertion of a worker's fingers. Furthermore, any configuration can be used for insulating the nut 172 located in the upper opening 80 of the end case 174 and the bolt 195 fastened to the nut 172. In addition to the example insulating coating, a bag-shaped nut cover or the like can be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0142] 10 Inter-terminal connection structure (Embodiment 1) 12 Battery Modules 12A First Battery Module 12B Second Battery Module 14 cabinets 14A enclosure 14B cabinet 16 single batteries 18 Peripheral wall 20 Upper end 22 Upper end 24 First terminal side unit 26 Second terminal side unit 28 Connection terminals 30 Housing 32 Terminal section 34 Terminal fastening section 36 Through holes 38 Bolt insertion hole (terminal side) 40 Terminal holding part 42 Storage Unit 44 nuts 46 screw holes 48 Terminal cover (insulating cover) 48A outer periphery 48B Inner circumference 49 Through hole 50 Terminal opening window (opening window) 51 Through hole 52 Protrusion 53 Tapered surface 54. Conductive components 56 Busbar (Electrically Conductive Component) 58 Crank-shaped bend 60 Connection part 62 Bolt insertion holes 64 Positioning recess 66 Connection side relay section (relay section) 66A Cylinder 66B Flange section 68 Bolt insertion holes 70 cases 70A Case Body 70B Lid body 72 Bottom wall 74 Bottom opening hole (opening hole) 76 Positioning protrusions 78 Guide Wall 80 Top opening 84 volts 84A Threaded section 86 First connection side unit 88 Second connection side unit 90 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 1) 92 Junction Box 94 Powered components 96 Bus Bar 98 External terminals 100 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 2) 102 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 3) 104 Socket head cap screws 104A Head 104B Threaded section 104C Tool fitting hole 106 cases 106A Case Body 106B Lid body 108 Protrusion 108A Upper wall 110 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 4) 112 Connection side relay section 114 Inter-terminal connection structure (Modified example 5) 116 Connection side relay section 118 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 6) 120 Connection side relay section 120A Waist section 122 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 7) 124 Terminal Cover 124A Protrusion 126 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 8) 128 Terminal cover 128A Elastic Flexure Piece 130 Terminal opening window 130A Slit 132 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 9) 134 Terminal cover 134B Inner circumference 136 Terminal opening window 138 Connection side relay section 140 through holes 142 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 10) 144 Terminal cover 144B Inner circumference 146 Terminal opening window 148 Connection side relay section 150 through holes 152 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 11) 154 Battery Modules 154A electrode 156 Busbar Module 156A frame 156B Busbar support projection 156C Busbar 158 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 12) 160 Wire Harness 162 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 13) 163 Conductive Components 164 First connection side unit 168 First terminal side unit 170 Busbar (Electrically Conductive Component) 171 Insulating coating 172 Nut 174 End case (insulating cover, connection cover) 174A Case body (insulating cover, connector cover) 174B Lid body 175 Insulating coating 176 Connection opening window (opening window) 178 Positioning protrusions 180 Notch 182 Engagement protrusion 184 Engaging frame 186 Holder 187 Terminal section 188 Terminal side relay section (relay section) 188A Cylinder part 188B Flange section 190 Insulating cover 192 Cylinder part 194 Opening window 195 volts 196 Engagement protrusion 198 Engaged portion 200 containment pits 202 Fixed part 204 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 14) 206 Conductive Components 208 Connection side unit 210 Connection blocking section 212 Terminal side unit 214 volts 214A Threaded section 216 Connection side relay section (relay section) 216A Cylinder part 216B Flange section 218 Bolt insertion holes 220 Peripheral wall section 220a Side wall 220b side wall 222 Rotation axis 224 Bottom opening 226 Spring component 228 Fitting part 230 nuts 232 Terminal section 234 Terminal opening window (opening window) 236 Bolt insertion holes 238 Inner cylindrical part 240 Side wall 240a side wall 240b side wall 242 Storage Unit 244 Interior wall section 246 Exterior wall 248 gaps 250 Guide surface 252 Fitting part 254 Bolt insertion holes (nut 230) 256 Bolt insertion holes 258 Connection blocking section 259 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 15) 260 lock pieces 262 Lock Frame 264 Fitting part 266 Pressing part 268 Connecting part 270 Fitting part 280 Inter-terminal connection structure (modified example 16) 282 First connection part (connection part) 284 Connection cover (insulating cover) 286 First terminal part (terminal part) 288 Terminal-side relay section (relay section) 290 Junction Box 292 Battery Modules 294 Second terminal section (terminal section) 296 Conductive Components 298 Busbar (conductive component) 300 Second connection section (connection section) 302 volts 304 Nut holding part 306 Nut 308 First connection side unit 310 First terminal side unit 312 End Case 314 Insulating coating 316 Case body 318 Lid 320 Peripheral wall 322 Upper bottom wall 324 Cylindrical part 326 Retaining projection 328 Inner cylindrical part 330 Nut 332 Connection opening window 334 Insulating coating 336 Upper Case 338 Upper bottom wall 340 Insulating Cover 342 volts 344 Bottom wall 346 Peripheral wall 348 Through hole 350 Bus Bar 352 Cylinder part 354 Flange section a1, a2 First space b1, b2, b3 Second Space c1, c2 gap c3, c4 Displacement allowable gap

Claims

1. A terminal-to-terminal connection structure in which multiple terminals are electrically connected via a current-carrying component, wherein the current-carrying component includes a current-carrying member having multiple connection portions that are fastened to each of the multiple terminals in a connected state, an insulating case housing the current-carrying member, and a connection portion-side relay portion provided on at least one of the connection portions covered by the case, wherein the connection portion-side relay portion protrudes to the outside from the case, and the in-vehicle device having at least one of the multiple terminals used in the terminal-to-terminal connection structure, The terminal portion has an upper surface that contacts the relay portion on the connection side, The upper surface of the terminal portion is covered by an insulating, flat terminal portion cover placed on the upper surface. The terminal cover is provided with a terminal opening window that partially exposes the upper surface of the terminal. An in-vehicle device wherein the terminal opening window is sized so that a test finger cannot be inserted but the connecting portion side relay portion can be inserted, and the connecting portion side relay portion is connected to the upper surface of the terminal portion by being inserted through the terminal opening window.

2. The terminal portion is fastened to the connecting portion using a bolt. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal cover includes an inner circumferential portion that covers the inner circumferential surface of a bolt insertion hole provided in the terminal.

3. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein the inner circumference of the terminal cover is integrated with other parts of the terminal cover.

4. The terminal opening window is formed in an annular shape around the bolt insertion hole of the terminal portion. An annular connecting portion is arranged around the bolt insertion hole of the connecting portion. The annular terminal opening window is partitioned between the inner circumference of the terminal cover and the outer circumference of the terminal cover, which is provided at a radially outward distance from the inner circumference. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outer periphery covers the surface of the terminal portion around the bolt insertion hole.

5. The in-vehicle equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the in-vehicle equipment includes a battery module, a junction box, and a busbar module.

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